Wenstrup, Sewell, Carter & Tonko Introduce Medicare Ambulance Bill
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Author: AAA Staff
Fitch & Associates 2023 EMS Trend Survey
The 2023 EMS Trend Survey explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention, including leadership; health and wellness support; and the impact of staffing shortages on providers’ work and job-related stress. We invite EMS field providers, supervisors, senior leadership and educators from all service types and response areas to participate and share the survey with their colleagues. The questionnaire will only take about 10 minutes to complete. Share your input by March 15, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Your response is confidential and the results, including expert analysis from industry experts from all walks of EMS, will be published in the EMS Trend Report “What paramedics want in 2023” Digital Edition in July, 2023, and shared at the 2023 Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum. The EMS Trend Report is produced by Fitch & Associates and EMS1, in partnership with EMS Survey Team, and the National EMS Management Association. If you have any questions, please email emstrends@fitchassoc.com
March 15 | NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall
NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall:
The Future of Healthcare Policy After the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency: What does it mean for Emergency Medical Services?
March 15th // 12-1pm ET
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system and has highlighted the need for healthcare reform. As the world moves forward from the pandemic, it is likely that the future of healthcare will be shaped by the need for cost containment while continuing to shift the healthcare delivery system to a more value-based care model.
For the past three years, we have seen new innovative approaches to healthcare delivery including the rapid adoption of telemedicine, and it is expected that this trend will continue in the post-pandemic world. Reimbursement reform continues to be an important issue for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, as it affects their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. Despite the disruption that we have seen for the last three years, the EMS industry has continued to push forward with new innovative approaches to service delivery including the expansion of community paramedicine programs and the implementation of alternative programs like the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) model. During this session, the panelists will discuss the current healthcare landscape, including what innovative programs may be here to stay and what it means for EMS Systems.
Moderator
Jose G. Cabañas, MD, MPH, FAEMS
President, NAEMSP
Panelists
Jonathan Oberlander, PhD
Professor & Chair of Social Medicine and Professor of Health Policy & Management
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Paul Hinchey, MD, MBA, FAEMS
COO for University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio
Larry McMillan, MHA
Chief Compliance Officer & ET3 Project Lead, Wake County EMS
Randy Strozyk, MBA
President, American Ambulance Association
Lekshmi Kumar, MD, MPH, FAEMS
Medical Director, Grady EMS
Melissa Kroll, MD
Washington University, St. Louis
NEMSM Board of Directors Announced
In October 2022, The National EMS Museum Board of Directors made a progressive and far-reaching decision to re-image the function and direction of the Museum and its Board of Directors. At that time, the Board decided to announce an initiative to reach out to more communities to recruit a diverse and interested group of leaders that could aggressively move the Museum forward through new strategic initiatives. After an extensive search and interview process conducted by an independent review panel, The National EMS Museum is pleased to announce the new members of The National EMS Museum Board of Directors with skills in EMS, museum management, fundraising and sponsorship development:
Larry J. Appel, M.B.A., EMT joins the NEMSM Board of Directors with 45 years of experience in EMS as an EMT. His experiences include non-profit director, business owner, manager of several Maryland-based commercial ambulance services, paid 911 EMS provider, V.P. of Ambulance Sales for FR Conversions, and currently the EMS Business Development Manager for Bioquell (An Ecolab Solution).
Fred Claridge is retired and living in North Carolina after a 41-year career in EMS and emergency management. He served as a field provider, EMS instructor, and administrator, including directing one of the largest EMS systems in the country, as well as service as an emergency planner. Additionally, Fred has served as the inaugural editor of the EMS Historian: The Journal of The National EMS Museum.
Fred is serving at the National EMS Museum Vice President, 2023-2025
Elyssa Gonzales is a Master of Arts candidate at Johns Hopkins University for Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management with an additional focus on understanding museum operations and the continuing value to their communities. Her interests lay in supporting the building and/or restructuring museums from the ground up and to help museums find their unique way of supporting their communities.
J. Sam Hurley, MPH, EMPS, NRP currently serves as the Director of Maine’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Sam began his career in EMS in North Carolina at a small rural volunteer fire department and subsequently continued his involvement with EMS throughout his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduate school at Emory University, where he worked for Grady Health System in downtown Atlanta.
Cindy Kessler holds a Bachelors of Science in Design and has worked in various positions with museums, aquariums, and nonprofit organizations for the better part of three decades. Outside of her nonprofit work, Cindy is an avid singer, having performed at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. She is also a writer and artist, and enjoys directing youth theater performances in her spare time.
Cindy is serving at the National EMS Museum Secretary, 2023
Christopher Montera has more than 34 years of experience in Paramedic Services, Public Health, and the Fire Service. He is the Director of State and Federal Programs for ESO and the former Chief Executive Officer at Eagle County Health Service District and holds a Master’s in Health Leadership.
Chris is serving at the National EMS Museum Treasurer, 2023
Gary M. Schindele has been an EMT for 47 years and is a leading subject matter expert in the field of emergency preparedness design and implementation and serves as a member of the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition. Gary also volunteers as the Public Affairs Officer for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps youth program. Gary is also the President and Owner of Paladin Healthcare LLC which manufactures the original Fairfield Equipment Rail, once the standard for Equipment Management in most ambulances back in the late 70’s and 80’s.
Dave Zaiman has been in and around EMS for over 30 years. He spent 15 years working in the field as an EMT, EMD, and Paramedic. Dave finished his career at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis MN. Since then, Dave has held several leadership roles in the healthcare technology industry. Dave currently serves as Pulsara’s VP Sales – Midwest.
Dave is serving at the National EMS Museum President, 2023-2025
Alan DeYoung is the current Executive Director of the Wisconsin EMS Association with a passion for strategic development and business marketing. Alan will serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President, 2023-2025.
The Board of Directors will continue to be supported by Kristy Van Hoven (Museum Director), Tom Scott (Accounting), and the incredible volunteers of this organization. We invite anyone interested in volunteering to reach out to the Board of Directors at board@emsmuseum. org or Kristy at director@emsmuseum. org.
The National EMS Museum is a volunteer-led organization that collects, preserves, and shares the history of emergency medical response in the United States to celebrate the contributions of providers across the country and inspire future professionals to take up the call. To learn more about The National EMS Museum, please visit emsmuseum.org.
NREMT | In Memoriam: Rocco V. Morando leaves a rich legacy for EMS
Rocco V. Morando, the Founder and first Executive Director of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on the morning of February 21, 2023 after a prolonged illness. He was 95. “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our organization’s founder,” Bill Seifarth, the current executive director of the organization announced to his staff and board this afternoon. “Rocco Morando was a luminary in the EMS profession and was instrumental in helping shape the lifesaving system we know today. His legacy will continue to provide inspiration for years to come, and we are grateful for his contributions.”
On June 4, 1970, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians was established following the recommendation of a task force assembled under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Committee on Highway Traffic Safety. Morando was selected as the National Registry’s founding executive director in 1971 and held that position for nearly two decades.
During his career at the National Registry, Morando oversaw a number of accomplishments, including: the first basic NREMT-A examination administered simultaneously to 1,520 ambulance personnel at 51 test sites throughout the United States (1971); the first recertification of Nationally Registered EMTs based on re-evaluation of skills (1973); the development of the first national paramedic curriculum in conjunction with leading EMS agencies and the University of Pittsburgh (1976-77); and the first NREMT-Paramedic examination (1978); the development of the first NREMT-Intermediate curriculum and examination (1980).
Upon his retirement on December 31, 1988, Morando was honored with a celebration attended by hundreds of friends and representatives from national EMS organizations. The National Registry’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio was renamed the Rocco V. Morando Building that same year.
The Rocco V. Morando Lifetime Achievement Award, named in his honor, recognizes a lifetime of commitment, contributions and leadership to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The award is presented by the National Association of EMTs and is sponsored by the National Registry.
Current and former employees, along with those throughout the EMS community, send their thoughts and condolences to Rocco’s family and friends.
Funeral arrangements are still being made at this time. More information will be available on the funeral home’s website.
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Senators Raise EMS Workforce Shortage During Hearing
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RFP | Leadership Development & Education Preferred Partner
Preferred Partner Proposal
Leadership Development & Education
Released February 15, 2023 | Responses Due March 17, 2023
Overview
The American Ambulance Association is a national trade association that serves ambulance services of all types and sizes. Our primary membership is comprised of leadership level representatives from organizations, including CEOs, owners, directors and managers.
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.
The American Ambulance Association board and its members are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to every patient regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and/or on the basis of differing ability. We dedicate time, thought, and resources to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect within the Emergency Medical Services workforce and leadership. Together, we save and sustain the lives of community members.
Preferred Partner Program
The American Ambulance Association is seeking a preferred partner in the leadership development and education space; experience working with EMS systems, agencies, and individuals is required. The preferred partner program is a minimum of two years (ending in December of 2024) with the opportunity to renew for an additional year.
The goals of this Preferred Partner Program are:
- Provide AAA members with a vetted, comprehensive, industry focused option for leadership development & education option that addresses the needs of all levels; new supervisor to experienced executives.
- Provide a more diverse, fresh perspective in our leadership offerings, including webinars and sessions at our annual conference & trade show.
- Enhance our leadership-themed content including website articles and social and blog posts, newsletters, and quick-take videos.
Structure
The American Ambulance Association is prepared to offer its preferred leadership development and education partner the following:
- Direct marketing of program and course offerings to the AAA members
- Opportunities to share information and promote programs through newsletter articles, blog posts, social posts, and quick take videos
- Two 60-minute webinars per calendar year
- Influence on a leadership track at our annual conference and tradeshow
- Opportunity to develop an executive leadership retreat for the AAA
The American Ambulance Association expects the following from its preferred partners:
- Clear communication and timely responses
- Creativity, a willingness to learn and grow together
- Exceptional customer service for our valued members
- Responsiblity for the development of all materials
Financial Incentives
The firm selected will
- A Pre-Conference at the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show – all registration fees collected for the pre-conference will be given to the preferred partner.
- All the fees collected from the Leadership Education Webinar series will be given to the preferred partner.
- In 2024 -the development of an executive leadership training series with all expenses paid by the parrtner and all fees given to the partner.
Minimum Requirements
Individuals and organizations responding to this opportunity should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Offer a comprehensive family of programs that address multiple levels of leadership
- Take an active approach to, and offer coaching on, diversity, equity, and inclusion in EMS
- Be able to provide references and examples of program success/value
- Be widely available, accessible to all AAA members
- Seek and maintain Affiliate Membership in the Association for the duration of the partnership
- Sponsor and Exhibit at the Annual Conference and Tradeshow for the duration of the partnership
- Indemnify the Association against all legal action that may arise out of the partnership
- Provide the AAA with a quarterly report detailing utilization/participation by AAA Members
- Provide members with a quality service/product at a savings compared to the open market.
Selection Process and Timeline
Interested parties should submit a written proposal that specifically defines the products and services offered to mbianchi@ambulance.org no later than March 17, 2023. The timeline for the process regarding the review of and Proposals to the selection is as follows:
- RFP distributed widely to potential organizations and consultants – February 15, 2023
- Questions and comments submitted to AAA Executive Committee – February 20-28, 2023
- Proposals Due – March 17, 2023
- Committee reviews proposals, interviews top two proposals – March 20-29, 2023
- Leadership Edcuation Partner selected – March 31, 2023
As a non-profit, vendor-neutral organization, the AAA does not formally endorse any product, service, or company. The AAA may provide statement or support for activities or products on which it has agreed to collaborate. Statements of support may also be provided for non-collaborative products that are of significant public benefit.
CAAS Announces Interim Administrator for Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS)
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GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS – February 2, 2023 – The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) is pleased to announce that Mark Postma has accepted the position of Interim Administrator for CAAS’s Ground Vehicle Standard. Mark Postma succeeds Mark Van Arnam, who held the Administrator position from the inception of the Ground Vehicle Standard in 2014. Van Arnam leaves CAAS to take on the role of President of the REV Ambulance Group.
CAAS Chair Dale Berry said “CAAS wishes to extend its deep-felt appreciation for the tremendous contributions that Mark Van Arnam has provided over the last 7 years. Tapping into his significant industry expertise and passion for creating standards that improve ground vehicle safety, Mark Van Arnam was instrumental in establishing the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard as the emergency transportation’s preferred standard. Our industry is safer because of Mark Van Arnam’s commitment and passion.”
In announcing Postma’s new interim role within CAAS, Dale Berry, said; “CAAS is extremely fortunate to have someone with Mark Postma’s experience and leadership abilities to continue the very successful launch and ongoing development of the Ground Vehicle Standard. Mark Postma has been the CAAS GVS Committee Co-Chair since 2016 and has a depth of knowledge that ensures a seamless transition. Mark Postma started as a paramedic over 40 years ago and continues as an esteemed leader in the EMS field.”
About the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS)
Starting in 2014, CAAS established a Vehicle Standard Committee to develop consensus-based ground ambulance vehicle standards called GVS. Thanks to the hard work of this broad-based committee, the third significant update to the standard, GVS 3.0, was released in July 2022.
The new ambulance vehicle section of GVS V3.0 contains updates and edits from the prior version, and includes the latest safety, quality, and compliance requirements for new production ambulances. In addition, GVS V3.0 contains a comprehensive Remount Standard. The GVS Remount Standard provides minimum requirements for both Remounters and Remounted Ambulances, including specific requirements for vehicle production processes and quality control.
About the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)
The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was established in 1993 to encourage and promote quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system. CAAS is an independent Commission that established a comprehensive series of standards for the ambulance service industry. CAAS accreditation signifies that an ambulance service has met the “gold standard” determined by the ambulance industry to be essential in a modern emergency medical services provider. These standards often exceed those established by state or local regulation. The CAAS standards are designed to increase operational efficiency and clinical quality, while decreasing risk and liability to the organization.
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CMS Innovation Center Releases Additional Model Data
CMS is pleased to announce the availability of Research Identifiable Files (RIFs) and Public Use Files (PUFs) for two CMS Innovation Center models.
CMMI Model Data Sharing (CMDS) Model Participation Files
CMS is releasing new participation data for the following models:
These models join the 10 models that released data in 2022, bringing the total to 12 models represented in the CMMI Model Data Sharing (CMDS) model participation files. Each model in the release will include a set of three files, one per participant type (entity, provider, beneficiary). Each set of files will be updated on a quarterly basis, reflecting changes captured for the prior quarter. Quarterly updates will include “full replacement files” and will contain data from the launch of each model to the current quarter. The group of models for which files are available will expand over time to include additional models.
To get information about the participating models and data files, please visit the CMMI Model Data Sharing Model Participation Data Initiative page.
Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model Data
Additionally, CMS is announcing the availability of new Research Identifiable Files (RIFs) for the 2018-2020 performance years for the Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model. Two RIFs are available for each model year:
- The CEC Beneficiary RIF contains enrollment data for beneficiaries in the CEC Model for a given model year
- The CEC Provider RIF contains identifying information about the providers participating in the CEC Model for that year.
CMS will also be releasing the Public Use Files (PUFs) for performance years 4 and 5 on the CEC website. These files contain public information about the model participants and their performance. For more information on the model visit https://innovation.cms.gov/innovation-models/comprehensive-esrd-care.
Follow us on Twitter | Visit the CMS Innovation Center website
REV | Ambulance Industry Veterans to Lead Manufacturing Group
Press Release
BROOKFIELD, WI – January 31, 2023 – The long-time ambulance manufacturing team of
Mark Van Arnam and Randy Hanson have been selected to lead the REV Ambulance Group.
Mark will serve as President for the Group and Randy will function as Chief Operating Officer.
“Mark and Randy have worked together in our company’s ambulance operations for over 35
years” stated Paul Bamatter, Chairman of REV Group’s Board of Directors. “They are well
known as the leading ambulance team in the business.”
The REV Ambulance Group is the largest ambulance manufacturing corporation in the industry,
and consists of legendary brands AEV, Horton, Leader, Road Rescue and Wheeled Coach.
“Our main objective is to provide our customers and dealers the high-quality vehicles that they
need and that we are known for,” Bamatter added. “We believe this new leadership team will
take our ambulance group to the next level.”
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About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and
related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the
United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They
provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public
services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial
infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational
vehicles). REV Group's diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands,
including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group's
brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years.
REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG.
Media:
Julie Nuernberg
Director of PR & Social Media
+1.262.389.8620 (mobile)
julie.nuernberg@revgroup.com
OMB PHE Update | May 11
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NACRHHS | Access to EMS in Rural Communities Policy Brief
Access to Emergency Medical Services in Rural Communities: Policy Brief and Recommendations to the Secretary
Provides an overview of issues related to the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) in rural areas. Discusses rural EMS access, financing, and workforce challenges, as well as promising telehealth innovations. Outlines federal programs and resources that support EMS programs. Offers policy recommendations related to access to EMS, workforce, and reimbursement.
Source: HRSA via RuralHealthInfo.org
NAEMT 2022 National Report on Engagement and Satisfaction in EMS
From the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
NAEMT is pleased to present the results of our 2022 National Survey on EMS Workforce Engagement and Satisfaction. Earlier this year, NAEMT asked our members and other EMS practitioners about various aspects of their jobs, including pay, how well supported they feel by employers, and if they had plans to leave the profession. In nearly 1,300 responses, EMS practitioners painted a picture of a workforce that remains dedicated to caring for patients and serving the community, but is under a high degree of strain. They also shared their ideas for how EMS agencies could improve engagement and satisfaction. We thank the following members of NAEMT’s EMS Workforce Committee for their contributions to the survey: Robert Luckritz, Aaron Florin, Garrett Hedeen, Julius Jackson, Lawson Stuart, Mark Ponder, Mike Szczygiel and Mike Thomas. NAEMT also thanks FirstNet, Built with AT&T, for its generous sponsorship of the report.
Savvik | 5.11 Boots 25% off Retail
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GAPBAC Meeting Postponed
The first meeting (virtual) of the Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee scheduled for January 17 and 18 has been postponed. According to CMS, the meeting is being postponed due to “operational impediments”. We will let you know the new dates for the meeting when announced by CMS.
Prehospital Emergency Care | 2022 Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Care
From Prehospital Emergency Care
Introduction
Multiple national organizations and federal agencies have promoted the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for prehospital care. Previous efforts have identified opportunities to improve the quality of prehospital guidelines and highlighted the value of high-quality EBGs to inform initial certification and continued competency activities for EMS personnel.
Objectives
We aimed to perform a systematic review of prehospital guidelines published from January 2018 to April 2021, evaluate guideline quality, and identify top-scoring guidelines to facilitate dissemination and educational activities for EMS personnel.
Methods
We searched the literature in Ovid Medline and EMBASE from January 2018 to April 2021, excluding guidelines identified in a prior systematic review. Publications were retained if they were relevant to prehospital care, based on organized reviews of the literature, and focused on providing recommendations for clinical care or operations. Included guidelines were appraised to identify if they met the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) criteria for high-quality guidelines and scored across the six domains of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool.
Results
We identified 75 guidelines addressing a variety of clinical and operational aspects of EMS medicine. About half (n = 39, 52%) addressed time/life-critical conditions and 33 (44%) contained recommendations relevant to non-clinical/operational topics. Fewer than half (n = 35, 47%) were based on systematic reviews of the literature. Nearly one-third (n = 24, 32%) met all NAM criteria for clinical practice guidelines. Only 27 (38%) guidelines scored an average of >75% across AGREE II domains, with content relevant to guideline implementation most commonly missing.
Conclusions
This interval systematic review of prehospital EBGs identified many new guidelines relevant to prehospital care; more than all guidelines reported in a prior systematic review. Our review reveals important gaps in the quality of guideline development and the content in their publications, evidenced by the low proportion of guidelines meeting NAM criteria and the scores across AGREE II domains. Efforts to increase guideline dissemination, implementation, and related education may be best focused around the highest quality guidelines identified in this review.
Read Full Research Paper
Christian Martin-Gill, Kathleen M. Brown, Rebecca E. Cash, Rachel M. Haupt, Benjamin T. Potts, Christopher T. Richards, P. Daniel Patterson & for the Prehospital Guidelines Consortium (2022) 2022 Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Prehospital Care, Prehospital Emergency Care, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2143603
US Ambulances for Ukraine
As we start the new year, US Ambulances for Ukraine continues to actively seek donated used ambulances from across the United States to send to Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24, 2022, US Ambulances for Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago has successfully delivered 18 American ambulances to Ukraine, many coming from members of the American Ambulance Association. In addition, another 10 ambulances and one fire engine are sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and will soon be delivered to Ukraine. Efforts are currently underway to make the next shipment of donated American ambulances the largest to date. The goal is to secure 22 ambulances to be shipped in late January or early February, which would bring the total number of donated ambulances from the United States to 50. If you have an ambulance that is mechanically sound that you are considering retiring or have one that isn’t needed anymore and would like to participate in this effort US Ambulances for Ukraine would love to hear from you. This group has a proven track record of successfully delivering ambulances to hospitals, military units, NGOs, fire departments and other entities operating in Ukraine. The group also continuously updates donors during the process and provides photographic updates of the ambulances once they have been delivered. Every donor knows exactly where their ambulance will be donated before it even leaves the United States.
The American Ambulance Association has followed the Twitter feed of US Ambulances for Ukraine @AmbulancesU and encourages you to do so as well. There you can see the latest updates on their efforts and several images of donated American ambulances in action. If you are interested in donating an ambulance or would like more information you can reach out to the founder of US Ambulances for Ukraine, Chris Manson, Vice President of Government Relations for OSF HealthCare at Christopher.M.Manson@osfhealthcare.org.
2023 State Association Leadership Excellence Conference
Thursday, September 7, 2023 | 8:30am–4:00pm Eastern
Join fellow state-level ambulance and EMS association leaders for a day of networking and idea exchange at the inaugural State Association Leadership Excellence Conference! Share challenges, successes, and innovations with mobile healthcare leaders from across the country.
American Ambulance Association
State Association Leadership Excellence (SALE) Conference
September 7, 2023 | 8:30–16:00 ET
Niagara Falls USA Convention Center
Topics
Together, we will explore tactics for growing the reach and voice of your state association.
- Advocacy Impact: Grassroots & Grasstops Engagement Case Studies
- Medicaid Strategies (rate increases, crossovers)
- Commercial Insurance Initiatives (balance billing, direct pay)
- Medicaid Finance Initiatives (UPL / CPE / GEMT / Provider Assessments)
- Workforce Shortage Strategies
- Association Governance Tune-Up
- Free and Cheap Tools to Enhance Your Branding & Reach
- More! Full agenda coming soon.
Venue & Meals
Niagara Falls USA Convention Center
101 Old Falls Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Continental breakfast, beverages, snacks, and lunch at the Convention Center are included in your registration fee.
Happy Holidays!
Wishing America's #EMS professionals and their families a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for taking care of all of us, at a moment's notice. #SupportEMS #AlwaysOpen #NotJustaRide #HappyHolidays #HappyHolidays2022 pic.twitter.com/y40sZbahT0
— AmericanAmbulanceAsc (@amerambassoc) December 13, 2022
Letter to VA Reimbursement of Ambulance Services
The AAA has sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough asking him to delay the implementation of a final rule that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse at the lower of billable charges or Medicare rates for certain non-contracted ambulance services. The proposed rule was issued back in 2020 but we understand that the VA could now issue the final rule in January 2023. GMR has been advocating on Capitol Hill for a delay in air and ground ambulance services. The AAA will be issuing later today a request for AAA members to reach out to the VA to also request the delay.
December 12, 2022
The Honorable Denis McDonough
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Secretary McDonough,
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) respectfully requests that the Department delay release and implementation of the final rule on the “Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation (RIN 2900-AP89).” Reimbursing for services to veterans at Medicare rates would have dire consequences for the ability of ground ambulance service organizations to provide lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency and also interfacility ambulance services not only to veterans but entire communities. We ask that the Department delay the rule until after Congress has had an opportunity to act on the results from the Medicare ambulance data collection system which is currently underway.
As documented by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2007 and 2012, the Medicare program reimburses ground ambulance service organizations below the cost of providing their services when temporary add-ons are not considered. Since 2012, the disparity between the cost of providing ambulance services and reimbursement by Medicare has only increased through sequestration cuts, a reduction in inflation updates, and other Medicare payment policy changes. Ground ambulance service organizations are already facing difficult financial straits and cannot
sustain a reduction in reimbursement from another federal payor.
Ground ambulance service organizations serve as the foundation for emergency medical response for veterans and communities throughout the country. Our members are a vital component of our local and national health care and 9-1-1 emergency response systems and serve as lifelines of medical care for many rural and underserved communities. However, our ability to continue to serve communities is already at risk due to inadequate reimbursement and access to care for veterans would be further jeopardized if the Department were to reimburse at lower levels for ground ambulance services.
The AAA is the primary association for ground ambulance service organizations, including governmental entities, volunteer services, private for-profit, private not-for-profit, and hospital-based ambulance services. Our members provide emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services to more than 75 percent of the U.S. population. AAA members serve
patients in all 50 states and provide services in urban, rural, and super-rural areas.
Again, we request that you delay the release and implementation of the final rule on the “Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation”.
If you have any questions regarding our request, please do not hesitate to have a member of your staff contact AAA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tristan North. Tristan can be reached by phone at (202) 802-9025 or email at tnorth@ambulance.org.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Shawn Baird
President