EMS | Board & Collar

Well, the gang is back together for yet, another year.  Welcome to 2025 and January brings us the first of several reports on the CMS Ground Ambulance Cost Data Survey results.  Tune in while we explore and detail the findings of this informative report as reviewed by the team.   Have some fun with Ed, Chuck, and Gary as they take on this challenging, yet important subject matter on today's episode.

It's a Photo Finish for 2024:  The numbers 3-2-0-3 are vitally important to the ambulance industry.  Section 3203 of the last-minute federal government's stop-gap funding measure has extended the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule add-on payments.  But wait…there's a catch!  We explain in this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast!        

BREAKING EMS NEWS!  CMS and the RAND Health Care Corporation has released the long-awaited first report detailing their findings and analyses of the Ground Ambulance Data Collection System Year 1 and Year 2 Cohort.  This is a BIG DEAL!  In this episode, we'll remind you why this is big news for the ambulance industry and preface what will happen next.  You don't want to miss this one, please join us on this edition of the QMC EMS | Board & Collar.

Join the 3 old guys (aka Chuck, Ed and Gary) for another session of Excuse My Medic.  In this session, we discuss the Ground Ambulance Billing Advisory Committee recommendations which, for the most part, can mean good things for our industry IF they are approved.  That's a big IF, but hey, the recommendations surely have substance and are worth pursuing.  Join the guys for some great information and a few Holiday chuckles along the way.  

CALL TO ACTION- With just a few more days left in 2024, the EMS industry is in danger of losing important Medicare dollars.  It's an emergency episode of our podcast...and we need to act now!! Listen in for how you can help today!    

The EMS Santa came early this year with a present wrapped in ALS2!  We fill you in on the addition of Pre-hospital Blood Transfusion in this episode of the QMC|EMS Board and Collar podcast!  

CMS has released the newly calculated Ambulance Inflation Factor for 2025. Chuck breaks down how the feds arrived at the new adjustment in this latest edition of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast.

It's been a terrible few weeks weather-wise for our friends to the South. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have wreaked havoc throughout the southeast EMS has been affected as well and we are bringing you up to date on options that EMS professionals have available during the recovery and restoration periods.  

Well, the boys are back together once again for another thought-provoking and informative episode of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  This episode features Henry Lewis, Executive Director of the South Carolina EMS Association.  Henry was an excellent guest and one who brings a wealth of knowledge and information to this session.  Tune in to hear how Mr. Lewis and his team of EMS Professionals are working with South Carolina officials and state representatives addressing key matters in sustaining and I might add, growing SC's EMS system.  This episode is surely worth a listen if you are an EMS leader.  

Part II of our second episode looking at the recently released CMS Ground Ambulance Data Collection System findings takes a look at Medicare Fee-for-Service claim trends.  There's the dip for the COVID-19 PHE and a move over time to Medicare Advantage patients, and more.  You'll also learn what the number one ICD-10-CM diagnosis code is for billing to Medicare.  We'll bet you can't wait to download and listen, right? 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released two reports resulting from the first-round of data collected from the Ground Ambulance Data Collection System project.  Welcome to Part I of a two-part podcast series where we'll first take a look at the ambulance organization entrance and exit data.  Get ready to “Geek Out” on some interesting statistics when Chuck Humphrey shares the parts that jumped off the page in review.  Thanks for downloading this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast!

A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has trickled down to affect ambulance services.  In this episode of the QMC EMS Board and Collar Podcast, QMC retiree Chuck Humphrey details changes in how HIPAA protected personal health information can be shared with law enforcement investigations. It's a timely look at important revisions to the HIPAA statutes in yet, this 196th episode of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar.

National EMS Week has rolled around once again for the 50th time (yes, it's been 50 years - WOW), and the guys have a great show featuring John Moon, one of the original Freedom House paramedics.  If you haven't heard John speak, you're in for a treat.  John is a true ambassador for our industry and is an well worth the listen to hear his insight and thoughts on the early years of EMS.  Join Ed, Gary, and Chuck as they welcome John and celebrate EMS Week 2024. It's a great EM2 episode!  

Here we go again...Chuck, Ed, and Gary are back at it for another episode and a new year. Not sure why this lovely lady wants to do another session with us, but we've got Heather Harris, Executive Director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania joining us a guest host. How did we coerce her to do another show with us?  Wow! Join us as we dive into a few topics worth listening to including, Yoga for First Responders discussion (yes, that was YOGA for First Responders!), Medicaid rate hike, tributes and more.   Check out this episode and hey, be safe out there!

Join, Chuck, Ed and Gary for another resounding edition of Excuse My Medic.  As per previous years, this is our Holiday edition but not without lots of talk on Ambulance Inflation, No Surprises and much more banter.  Join us as Chuck tries to baffle us with his Word of the Day and take a moment to reflect with the team as they celebrate yet, another year of EM2.  

Welcome to the November 2023 edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2). Amidst the opening banter, the team takes a serious look at the new Veterans Administration Rule that would harm our Veterans and the ambulance services they may require.   The EM2 Team takes a closer look with guests, Heather Sharar, Executive Director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania and US Marine Corps Veteran, Adam Patterson.  Tune in and join Chuck, Gary, and Ed for a great session that will enlighten and keep you informed.  As always, with any EM2, we hope to provide food for thought and bring a few smiles along the way as well.  Go ahead, take this one in, you'll be glad you did.

Good news for 2024 on the Medicare front!  This episode focuses on the extension of the “add-on” payments and we break down the new Ambulance Inflation Factor, as well.  More money coming! Featuring Chuck Humphrey

What a disappointing fail!  ET3 is terminal and dying.  The demonstration program ends at 23:59 hours n December 31st.  Listen in while Chuck expresses his displeasure with the loss of what was thought to be the promise of tomorrow's reimbursement model! Presented by:  Chuck Humphrey

Please join Chuck and Gary for this enlightening and informative 10Q30 with Jonathan Collier, Vice President of Mobile Medicine for Atrium Health.  If you haven't taken in one of our 10Qs in the past, this episode is a don't miss.  Full disclosure here, we had such a great time speaking with Jonathan, that this episode exceeded the "30" in the 10Q.  Trust us, it's worth the listen to hear some of the great initiatives Jonathan and his elite team at Atrium Health are involved.  Jonathan is a very passionate and innovative leader so please join us for this very informative episode.

As the sun begins to set on my EMS involvement of five decades, this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar is a reflection that will hopefully, give those who serve in this most worthy profession a chance to look back and be thankful for their contributions.  My father stated often, "You dance with who brought ya" and this episode will hopefully, motivate and inspire those that currently serve in this incredibly honorable field of emergency medical services as well as those who got you to this point in your professional life. Presenter:  Gary Harvat, VP of Client Success, CMTE, EMT-P (ret.)

EMS Week has again rolled around for its 49th time.  Enacted by President Gerald Ford in 1974, we take time to pause, reflect and of course, thank those who are there for us in our worst hour.  The dedication and deep respect never goes unnoticed but is surely accentuated and loudly stated, during this week each year.   Take a moment to think about those who serve us and if you get the chance, say thanks.  Say thanks to them with your words, actions and legislation to support them.  This podcast reflects my deep appreciation for those who perform this challenging work that only few can do. To each who work in the trenches be it by air or ground, may you enjoy this week of thanks.  God Bless and hey, be safe out there.   Presented by:  Gary Harvat, EMT-P (ret.), CMTE

So, unless your time of late has been stuck in something other than paying attention to two key issues affecting the EMS industry, you probably have heard about the CMS Cost Data Collection Survey and also the No Surprises Act which is negatively affecting the Air Medical Industry and who knows, this may be headed toward the ground side in the future as well. Get caught up on the latest from our panel of experts and keep abreast of key matters that can cause one to stir through the night.  Join us as we explore these two topics and where we are today with each.    Presented by:  Heidi Campbell, Gary Harvat, Chuck Humphrey and, Ed Marasco

We're going to guess that you don't have a 100% patient signature success rate like Chuck does (NOT!)  In this episode of the QMC EMS Board and Collar podcast, we talk about all things patient signature- best practices and the importance of procuring the signature in the field.  Join us for this informative discussion! Presented by:  Chuck Humphrey

  Congress delivered the ambulance industry an early 2022 Christmas present when they passed an Omnibus package to extend the Extenders and put the brakes on PAYGO.  Download this important breaking news event right now!  Presenters:  Chuck Humphrey    

Welcome to the the Holiday edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  We blanket a few key topics today including the 2023 Ambulance Inflation Factor, CMS PAYGO and extending the extenders.  Along the way we share a few laughs and pay tribute to all those working this Holiday Season. Join in for some fun and informative conversation and a bit of fun ribbing that you will be sure to enjoy.  Happy 2022 Holidays from the EM2 team.     Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat

Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) is one of the greatest superheroes of the past few years.  Demanding times have put significant stress on the healthcare system across the US.  An area that was positively impacted and one proved to be a true asset to the community and treatment of patients was MIH.  Treatment of patients in their home continues to make a difference in healthcare today.  An exciting piece of this treatment is the opportunity to get reimbursed for these services.  Please join me to discuss MIH billing and reimbursement in today's session of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar. Presented by:  Kimberly Sutton, RN, BSN, CMTE Client Success Manager II Quick Med Claims

CMS has announced an historic Ambulance Inflation Factor for 2023.  Will the largest Medicare payment adjustment in AIF history actually benefit us or will Congress rain on our parade?  We break it all down in this latest episode of the QMC EMS Board and Collar podcast. Featuring:  Chuck Humphrey

  ALERT- Extend the Extenders!  Once again the ambulance industry has to beg to retain important Medicare dollars.  We talk about this and sound a call to action in this latest edition of the QMC EMS Board and Collar podcast.  Download this important episode right now!!    Presenters:  Chuck Humphrey    

Welcome to an abbreviated edition of EM2.  With National EMS Week approaching May 15-21, 2022, Chuck and Gary wanted to take a moment and give thanks to those of you who serve and relate our deep appreciation for the work you do 52 weeks a year - not just this nationally-recognized week.  Download this episode and take a listen as Chuck and Gary deep-dive with much gratitude toward this most worthy profession. Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey and Gary Harvat

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Topton Community Ambulance from Topton, Pennsylvania.  Joining us is Chief of EMS, Mike Richards.  Chief Richards provided much insight into his organization and how it manages and responds to many of today's issues that affect EMS across our nation.  Jump in on this one and take a listen to Mike's thought-provoking responses to our questions.  It's a 10Q that is worthy of your listen, trust us. Your Host:  Gary Harvat, QMC's Vice President of Client Success

The team is back at it once again as we embark on a new edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2) for 2022.  The old guys are ready to go and bring you a great program filled with great information as well as some fun and light-hearted moments.  This episode includes Chuck, Ed and Gary engaging in some offbeat verbiage from the 60s and 70s along with news, information and of course, the treasured EMS Word of the Day.  Also, in this episode we have a guest joining us...I know, who would really want to join these old-timers, right?  Nonetheless, we've got Martha Peribonio, Executive Director,  from the National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers,  joining the session.  Martha will discuss her organization and her role with along with how her organization is promoting MIH in the EMS industry.  You'll enjoy what Martha conveys during this session and learn much about her organization's mission.   Join us as the guys from EMS past go off on a few tangents and have some fun along the way. Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat

  How long has it been since you're reviewed your EMS agency's HIPAA Business Associate Agreements?  Do you even know what a BAA is?  It's time to blow off the dust on this important compliance subject.  Join our dusty old guy, Chuck Humphrey, in a discussion on the topic.  Bring along some Kleenex because you're gonna sneeze!!    

  The Medicare ground ambulance Prior Authorization process for Repetitive Scheduled Non-Emergency Ambulance Transports (RSNATs) is expanding to all states in the U.S.  But there is a bit of confusion regarding the required Physicians Certification Statement (PCS) and the Prior Authorization period that we'll attempt to clear up in this edition of the EMS Board and Collar Podcast.  QMC Compliance Team members Rebecca Illig and Chuck Humphrey share their thoughts on the subject.    

  Everyone is so tense today.  The social climate we live in be it the pandemic, inflation, politics…you name it….it get's to us and causes us to have some very critical conversations.  In this episode, we take a look at some practical ways that we all can manage those inevitable critical conversations.  Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey    

  The expansion of the Medicare Fee-for-Service Prior Authorization for Repetitive Scheduled Non-Emergency Ambulance Transports (RSNATs) is happening right now!  Ambulance services in some expansion states are already experiencing the effects of this program.  In this podcast episode we explore where the expansion has already happened, where will it happen next and most importantly we provide insight into how your ambulance service can prepare for what's coming next!  Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey    

Their importance is under-rated and they are needed in every profession of today's workforce.  Mentors serve as the key learning element for every job whether it's EMS, a beauty shop, welder's supply or car dealer.  Professional life without mentors would bring America's business world to a screeching halt.  Today, we explore the importance of mentors in emergency medical services and the key role they play in giving new personnel the tools they need to perform their role in the most trying of circumstances.  Take a read and remember to always thank and dance with who brought ya'.

Welcome to the the Holiday edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  We blanket a few key topics today including an update on the No Surprises Act hot off the presses, additional information on managing Repetitive Scheduled Non-Emergent Transports and more.  Along the way we share a few laughs and pay tribute to all those working this Holiday Season. Join in for some informative conversation and some fun ribbing that you will be sure to enjoy.  Happy Holidays from the EM2 team.     Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat

  Join Chuck, Gary and Ed as we speak with Craig Partee, the 2021 Association of Air Medical Services Patient of the Year,  along with Nina D. from Mercy Flight Central in New York.  Join us as we discuss the fateful day when Craig had a barn roof collapse on top of him pinning him under wood, metal and debris for an extended period of time.  Craig and Nina will take you through the harrowing moments that followed and how Craig survived and recovered from the injuries he sustained in June of 2020.  Hear how Craig has now devoted his "hobby" of NASCAR racing and much of his life to making sure people across the country understand the importance of emergency medical services (EMS) in their respective communities. It's an episode you won't want to miss.   Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey, Gary Harvat, Ed Marasco    

  We visit with the Leadership Team from Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association in Wolcott, CT.  Join us as we pose ten questions to them regarding their organization on topics that affect EMS across our nation.  Take a listen about their dedicated team, their community and their commitment to always providing top-notch emergency medical care over their decades of service. Join Gary and Chuck along with the Wolcott team of Chief Bill Barratt and Deputy Chiefs Peter Kaminsky and Andrew Albert as they respond to our 10 questions in 30 minutes (10Q30).  A great session with comments from leaders of a very proud and innovative organization.  Join us!  Presenters:  Gary Harvat, Chuck Humphrey    

  Take a quick, and somewhat light-hearted, look back with Gary as he recalls EMS life at a much different time.  Today's changing technology, advanced medical improvements and innovations in pre-hospital care have him remembering when resources were few. Overall, his look back leaves him with a better understanding as to why his back hurts today.  Presenter:  Gary Harvat    

  Join Ed, Chuck and Gary with Ed doing the heavy-lifting on this update to the Surprise Billing Legislation. It's a very fluid situation that everyone in the ground and air EMS business needs to pay strict attention.  Tune in as we provide an overview and take questions from our audience.  Hear it, absorb it and folks, fair warning here...be ready for it.  This is an hour of your time well spent.  Download and be updated now.  Presenter:  Ed Marasco, Gary Harvat, Chuck Humphrey    

Welcome to the November 2021 edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  We cover a few key items in our broadcast this day including short segments on Surprise Billing legislation, Repetitive Scheduled Non Emergency Scheduled Transports and more.  Tune in as we look back as to why the collective backs of these three old guys hurt as they do from our days in the street and join in as we pay tribute to medical advances and of course, our Veterans.  It's a great show.  Stop by and enjoy.     Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat

  One person not properly vetted before hiring cost a whopping $371,000 in paybacks, recently, for a hospital system.  Could your ambulance service be paying back big dollars, next?  We sure hope not.  Learn more about this in this episode of the QMC EMS Board and Collar podcast.  Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey    

  CMS has announced the Ambulance Inflation Factor (AIF) for 2022- the second highest percentage in the history of the AIF!  But, will government sequestration rain on our parade?  We will explore this topic further in this edition of the QMC EMS | Board & Collar.    Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey    

  Why is it that this profession has now existed for multiple decades and the public still refers to us as good ole "Ambulance Drivers?"  Is it really the public's fault, the media or could it be our fault - those of us who work in the EMS industry?  No, can't be, can't be our fault.  Well, may be it is and our charge is to do better. We will explore this topic further in this edition of the QMC EMS | Board & Collar.    Presenter:  Gary Harvat    

  Here we are in 2021 and EMS still remain, in some respect, just the folks who are "the ambulance drivers."  Has this title been one that we have self-invoked?  Some would argue that EMS will never be fully recognized with fire and police even after nearly 5 decades of providing a higher level of  care than what preceded us in the 1950s or 1960s.      In this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast, we explore this topic and dissect if we are truly a profession.  While all of us who serve in the trenches surely want this, are we educating our community and those around us to view us as professionals?  I don't know, but here's some food for thought.  We are?  Are we not?    Presenter:  Gary Harvat    

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Mitchell Fire Department from Mitchell, South Dakota  Joining us is Fire and EMS Chief, Marius Laursen.  The QMC guys had a great time speaking with Chief Laursen and he didn't disappoint with his knowledge, wit and uncanny ability to field some of our most offbeat questions.  This is a 10Q that is worthy of high marks.  Don't miss out, download this one today.  Your Host:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

  “Transported to a higher level of care.”  It's a phrase EMS providers use often.  However, this little  phrase can cause your billing office some angst and headaches. Are you attune to documenting this in your electronic patient care report (ePCR)?  Have you covered all the necessary basis to support medical necessity...yes, no, maybe? In this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast, QMC Compliance Team members Katie Harrison and Chuck Humphrey unpack how to properly document using the phrase with just a little extra detail.  If you're headed to higher ground or a higher level of care, get there with these great tips from our team.    Presenters:  Chuck Humphrey and Katie Harrison    

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Mercy Flight Central based in Canandaigua, New York. Tune in as we pose our 10Qs to Mercy Flight Central's Jeff Bartkoski, President and CEO and Erin Reese, Program Director, on multiple topics relating to their unique 501(c3) flight program.  Mercy Flight Central was founded as a non-profit in 1992 to provide air medical services to New York State residents and beyond. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 15,000 patients and grown to approximately 70 employees. MFC's three base locations serve the regions of the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Mohawk Valley, including service to the Lower Adirondacks.  We had a great time speaking with Jeff and Erin and received some great adjunct questions along the way from those who attended the LIVE broadcast.  As an added bonus, don't miss out hearing about new additions to their flight program and as well as some interesting facts about NASCAR and Car #66 - Quite the story!  Folks, you're going to enjoy this 10Q presented by two individuals who are deeply dedicated to serving their respective communities with exemplary air medical service.  Join us! Your Hosts:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

  Late in the workday on Friday, June 11, 2021, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released revised reporting requirements along with extended expenditure deadlines for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund stimulus.  We offer a quick breakdown and alert you to the opening of the reporting portal on July 1st.  It's another piece of that big HRSA puzzle that you have to figure out - we'll help.  Take a listen...  Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey    

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Longwood Fire Company from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  Joining us is Asst. Chief of EMS, Matt Eick.  Matt provides some interesting insight into how his department is remaining active and prosperous during these challenging times as we emerge from this pandemic.  Matt relates information on many different fronts including community outreach, retaining quality providers and more.  Join in for this 10Q episode as you won't be disappointed in hearing from about this progressive organization in Eastern Pennsylvania.    Your Host:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey