IN Millcreek Spring 2019 | Page 33

In Need of Transportation? Living in NW Pennsylvania means the weather can change at any moment. MPS has Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transportation services to accommodate those who are wheelchair bound, as well as those ambulatory, needing a ride during inclement weather. We provide transportation to and from hospitals, clinics, and home to patients that are not experiencing a medical emergency. What does the Future hold for EMS Agencies? Transportation Rates: $35.00 One way transport $60.00 Round trip transport $4.00 per mile after 10 miles $20.00 per half hour of wait time after 30 minutes $20.00 for an additional MPS employee to assist with any *special needs for a one way transport $30.00 for an additional MPS employee to assist with any *special needs for a round trip transport *Examples of special needs: • more than four (4) steps • Weight exceeding 200 pounds • Behavior Health Care needs • Patients under the age of 18 without a parent or guardian Millcreek Township residents and those in the surrounding areas may use our service. We do not ask for payment upfront, rather bill the patient for services provided. Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transportation services are non a covered service under the MPS membership program. Our website : www.millcreekparamedics.com Check us out on Facebook: “Millcreek Paramedic Service” Also find us on Instagram: millcreekparamedics1999 Administration Office Information: Business Office Location: 3608 West 26th Street Erie, Pa 16506 Business Office Phone Number: 814.836.8677 Mailing Address: PO Box 9038 Erie, Pa 16505 Emergency Phone Number: 911 Y ear after year, reimbursement conversations are at the top of the list. With rising expenses and reimbursement levels remaining the same, revenues are on a downslope. Medicaid recently increased their reimbursement rates by 50 percent, however that increase went from receiving $200 for an Advanced Life Support (ALS) call, to now beginning January 1, 2019, to $300 for an ALS call. Basic Life Support (BLS) calls are showing a reimbursement of $180 up from $120. This is the first increase in Medicaid reimbursement for the all Pennsylvania state ambulance companies since 2004. For almost 15 years, reimbursement rates were more than 200 percent below those provided by Medicare and commercial insurance. This has made it increasingly difficult for ambulance companies across the state to stay in service. Paramedic Millcreek Paramedic Service is a non-profit entity. Service We receive 95% of our revenue from billed services and insurance reimbursements. We rely on compensation to be able to provide pre-hospital care with the newest life-saving technology, maintain our vehicles so they are in the best condition as possible and provide a salary and health benefits for our employees, those who selflessly choose to save lives day after day. The new reimbursement rates for Medicaid are a step in the right direction; however, the issue of being fully compensated for services provided is still a very real concern to EMS agencies in our area and in the state of Pennsylvania. Many agencies and local businesses have shown their support and generosity through donations. If you are a business owner, president or are a resident of Millcreek Township and have supported us with a donation, please know that your generosity is valued and we appreciate it more than words can say. If you wish to donate to Millcreek Paramedic Service, we thank you in advance. Please contact our director of community outreach, Gary Carver, at [email protected], or call our office at 814-836-8677 for more information. M ILLCREE K MILLCREEK ❘ SPRING 2019 31