QMC EMS | Board & Collar

A shrinking pool of EMS providers, a changing patient population and flat funding are all contributory factors causing stressors for EMS across the United States.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar, we look at the big picture of change across America from those in our ambulance as patients as well as those who care for them at their side.  To state the prophetic words of Bob Dylan, "The Times They Are A-Changin'."   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

Keeping your EMS organization functional is not an easy task on even the best of days.  Declining revenue, employee retention and managing the opiate problem across our nation is all-consuming for EMS providers.  We explore this matter further in this edition of the QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

We receive regular questions from EMS organizations about moving from one ePCR software to another.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar explores this topic and discusses the positives and the negatives that you should be cautious of when considering a change.  More bells and whistles doesn't always dictate to a better program that is more functional for your staff. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

Making sure you ask your patient the right questions will get you the best responses to document and properly describe your patient.  This helpful edition of The QMC Board & Collar provides key insight into obtaining questions that properly draws the picture of your patient. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

This edition of The QMC Board & Collar explores the ongoing saga of the Closest Appropriate Facility and how payers including Medicare and Medicaid view this matter.  It is complicated at times and has variables which you should be aware of when completing your patient care report (PCR).  Hopefully, this B&C presentation will bring some clarity to this subject.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

This edition of The QMC Board & Collar discusses one of the subjects that draws more questions each year than any other inquiry.  The challenging subject of transport modalities to meet medical necessity is one that is never black or white but every shade of grey one can dream about.  Take a listen and get clarified or more confused...your call.  Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

Much has changed in the EMS industry over the past 40+ years.  Much for the better and some, well some, for an increased challenge.  What is constant is the human component - YOU!  Be proud of what you do.  Doesn't make a difference if you are working at a paid service or do this job as a volunteer once a month on Sunday evenings. Let's take a look at how we present ourselves in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.  In the meantime, represent the profession well and make it grow.  It's up to you...Be Proud.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

On my way into the office this morning, traffic was backed on a busy street that usually moves well.  What, an accident at this time of day? Never good for making it to the office early to get a bit of work accomplished before meetings and the chronic ringing of the phone.  As traffic moved ever-so-gingerly around the accident, I noticed the EMS crew extricating an individual from one of the involved vehicles.  Four medics busting their tail along with an engine company and the police department.  Organized and well-orchestrated, much work was getting accomplished to extricate the patient and keep the scene safe.  Given this, I thought I would simply extend a note of thanks as this could have easily been me or one of my family involved.  I know, I know, protocol is to say thanks in May during National EMS Week.  Heck with that, you deserve it everyday I would be remiss if I did not state it today after seeing the tireless work all of you were putting forth this morning.  Whether you're in Anchorage or Albion, Derry or DuBois, Pittsburgh or Platte Valley, thank you. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Yep, it's never easy getting the crews to get their PCRs completed in a timely fashion.  Usually, this task falls with the medic in the back of the rig who carries out the lion's share of the care.  With any organization, this can be a daunting task after a busy shift.  We explore "the buddy system" in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Is there really a better means to manage those individuals who abuse the EMS system?  While New York began to look at this closely a few years back, other states are beginning to pay attention. As a provider of emergency care, we need to make sure we keep this topic on the forefront.  When the opportunity arises, make sure we get the ear of our legislators every time the opportunity arises.  Our collective talents need to be there for those who are truly in need - not those who use us to circumvent the system with other motives in mind.  We take a look at what's happening today and what we hope to happen further tomorrow in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

It is not uncommon in our industry to have turnover.  People move on and employee retention is always a hot topic on everyone's organizational table.  However, before hiring that "New Guy" did you make sure he/she has does not have any issues that would affect your ability to get reimbursed properly.  Do your homework and vet that new guy well.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

How great, for a long time you've wanted to be your organization's President, Secretary or Treasurer and you finally won the company election. Congratulations!  Now, you can lead the organization onto new fronts and serve your community in even better ways than your predecessor.  Do you realize that along with the title comes the responsibility you now have to the Federal Government - specifically, Medicare and Medicaid?  It's now time to relinquish a good bit of your private information to these entities.  What's that, none of their business?  Make sure you know the responsibility that comes with the new title.  We will explore your obligations in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.  Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

How do your patients view your organizational face?  Are your teams and leadership kind, considerate and respectful of the patients that you see each day.  Or, do your teams approach their job as a painful, redundant process of moving people from Point A to Point B.  Make sure you put on your best face in all cases.  This episode of The QMC Board and Collar takes a look at, what we hope to be, your organization's smiling face. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

When your patient activates the EMS system and tends not to be a good historian, the catch-all response mode ends up being generalized weakness.  Today, on The QMC Board & Collar we will examine the weaknesses that typically comes with weakness.  Hopefully, we provide you with better ways to get to the root of what might be the underlying cause.  Sorry, that write-up was pretty weak but take in this B&C episode any how.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Does the public you serve have any clue who you are and what comprises your overall organization?  Or, are you "just the ambulance drivers?" in town that they see at the local eatery or driving down their street?  Educate your community, make them know that your organization has dedicated individuals and thousands of dollars in equipment coupled with thousands of man-hours devoted to training.  Let them know who you are what are the reasons they should contact you should they consider dialing that 3-digit phone number. Let's explore this topic a bit further in this episode of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat