QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Not too often do you hear a podcast dedicated to, of all things, belly pain.   Hey, what the heck, let's give it a go and see if we can relate a few helpful points on evaluating, assessing and documenting this most common chief complaint. This, and more on The QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat        

So, are you aware of the implications and uses for a guarantor when the patient is unable to care/sign for themselves? Do you know your role in interacting with a guarantor and better yet, does the guarantor of an understanding of his/her role prior to your arrival.  Today, we explore the role of the guarantor in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

It is no longer common for Medicare subscribers to simply review their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and not question charges.  The public is becoming smarter and smarter about the inner-workings of today's healthcare and as a result, scrutinize every charge. This edition of The QMC Board & Collar examines the explanation you and/or your organization must put forth when a Medicare or, for that matter, any healthcare consumer (Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, Self-Pay) questions their charges.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring the leadership team from LifeMed Alaska (LMAK), based in Anchorage.  Tune in to hear their take on how LifeMed leadership is addressing many issues in their service area which are also affecting EMS nationwide.  Gain an understanding of the unique challenges they face working in such a large geographic area; from weather issues to multiple leg transports including moving patients from point A to Point B via some unique means including hovercraft and even dog sled.   You will find this interesting format is time well spent in learning how this organization's leaders must adapt and address many key matters to maintain, sustain and grow their operation.    Your Host:  Gary Harvat        

The candidates are already lining up for the 2020 election for our nation's highest office as well as local government posts.  Sometimes it just gets too overwhelming with commercials, radio spots, town hall discussions and even talk around the dinner table with the fam.  As much as it taxes one's senses, you can use this to your advantage to talk with, and poll the candidates in your own backyard and educate them on the needs, struggles and value-added your EMS organization brings to the community. We will explore your options for making an impact statement to those running in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Do you have people within your organization whose favorite quote is "But, we've always done it that way?"  If you don't, consider your organization lucky with a group of forward-thinkers.  However, it's  probably safe to say that every organization has one or two detractors that serve as obstacles keeping you from moving forward with new organizational approaches and implementing innovative ideas.  The detractors are those who pull the others down while leadership plays a tug-of-war game to move the organization forward.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar, we'll take a closer look at the naysayers and the importance behind the quote that should be your organizational anthem..."The smallest steps lead to the biggest change." Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we explore the importance behind your organization remaining compliant in every aspect of its day-to-day operation.  In 1973, Ringo Starr had a hit song entitled "It Don't Come Easy."  I am certain his motivation for this tune was EMS Compliance, don't you think?   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Our world both inside and outside of EMS moves quickly.  Probably, more quickly than we actually realize.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar provides insight into how technology and analytics is affecting us today and how it will in the future as well.  These things, along with how we manage as leaders will serve as an important component for the future of your organization.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Every morning on my way into work, I always try to remind myself to please Gary,  engage brain before mouth on all things the day may bring.  Sometimes, I am really great at this and other times, I fail miserably.  When you're in a patient's presence this is even more paramount.  While we may think, amidst their pain and suffering, our patient may not recall things stated to them or the responses we've made to their questions.  However, they do, and we need to be cognizant of this every time we have a patient in our care.  This is especially true when they ask THAT big question enroute to the hospital... "How much is this going to cost me?" Be smart about your response and don't get caught in the middle while trying to make your patient feel better through your offered words.  It's all in the presentation and the response to this frequent question should be well-planned. Let's explore this a bit more in this session of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: G. Harvat      

While the matter of questionable billing practices has not made the evening news in some time (thank goodness!), it's good to re-visit the subject matter just as a simple checkpoint to make sure we are all singing from the same sheet of music.  We need to remind ourselves the practices by a few that led to EMS on the whole being placed on the OIG radar screen.  While 99.9% of EMS organizations operate and practice a compliant operation, we must always be knowledge of the problems that led a select few to fall short and create challenges for all that do comply.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

We often ask people, what's most important for the continued health of your organization?  Most state continued/increased revenue or strong cash flow.  We agree, and both of these are very important.  However, are you turning a blind eye to compliance? Non-compliance will eventually lead to no revenue and no cash flow, trust us.  Know the warning signs of non-compliance and don't be like the 3 Blind Mice.  Stay vigilant to keep you and your organization away from the cat that lurks beside the mouse hole.  Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

What are the driving factors that distinguishes the difference in billing for ALS vs. BLS?  Is it how the ALS dispatch and assessment influence the response and subsequent treatment of the patient?  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar,  we will take a closer look at this sometimes, confusing topic with the hope of providing a clearer picture of the CMS advanced life support (ALS) assessment rule. Don't be afraid to hit the replay button as we jam ten pounds of information into a five pound podcast.    Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat       

Welcome to this episode of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  EM2 is a pod magazine for EMS Professionals which brings you headline stories, interesting news and even a few light-hearted moments with Chuck and Gar.  This month's spotlight is on Surprise Billing and how this key issue being explored by our nation's lawmakers can affect your organization.  Also in this edition, positive news, the EMS Word of the Day and a couple of good ole EMS war stories to help you through the 4-12 shift.      Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey and Gary Harvat        

Is your organization's front office overpowering operations or is the operations side running wild over the office.  Who's in charge, who has final say and who created this antonym of the wonderful word called "partnership?"  Yeow, can't we find some harmony here?  Let's discuss the internal partnership (or lack thereof) that exists in some EMS organizations and ascertain "who is driving the bus. "Watch your step, have a seat and hold on in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat       

Seems that the EMS buzzwords of late is Cost Data Collection and the Federal requirements concerning this subject.  No question, it is coming to your organizational backyard but there still remains work to be done and time parameters that have yet to be fully established.  This is not to say, sit back and wait.  Moreover, you should be preparing now and at a minimum, understand what this means to your organization moving forward when fully implemented.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar provides an overview to hopefully, provide some clarity.   Written by:  C. HumphreyP resented by:  G. Harvat