How are EMS system costs determined?

EMS System Components. EMS System costs to be determined by calculating the dollars to achieve minimum performance standards for each component of the EMS system. Total EMS System Costs. The cost components will use EMS functions at a granular enough level to adequately reflect true system costs regardless of EMS system design.

Does the EMS system pay for ambulance services?

The EMS system, especially the ambulance service function, relies heavily on reimbursements from third party payers and currently ambulance services must provide patient transportation in order to be reimbursed for services.

What are EMS costs?

According to the Institutes of Medicine, “EMS costs include the direct costs of each emergency response, as well as the readiness costs associated with maintaining the capability to respond quickly, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.”

Do EMS systems need government funding?

EMS Systems have unique infrastructure that exists at the intersection of all the following disciplines: healthcare, public health, public safety, and emergency medical preparedness; therefore, commensurate government funding should be made available to the EMS System from each respective discipline (NEMSAC Finance Committee recommendation, 2012).

What is an EMS system?

A consensus definition of EMS remains elusive. The current definition of EMS System includes all aspects of emergency care from dispatch services through the 911 response to hospitals and rehabilitation services (ems.gov). There is no clear term specifically identifying “EMS” provided by EMS personnel in the field outside of a facility setting.

Are EMS costs accounted for in reimbursement models?

These costs are inherent in the delivery of service and must be adequately accounted for in the reimbursement models. EMS response is reported to be at the intersection of healthcare, public health, and public safety, yet reimbursement by health insurance providers is often the only source of funding.