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Author: Samantha Hilker

CMS National Rural Health Day Webinar

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Register now for our upcoming National Rural Health Day webinar


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) invites you to celebrate National Rural Health Day on November 19 at 2 p.m. ET with a webinar highlighting the latest resources from CMS including reports and information on rural, tribal, and geographically isolated communities. We’ll also get to feature the work of a 2024 CMS Health Equity Awardee Augusta Health to improve health equity within the Shenandoah Valley.

When: November 19 from 2 – 3 pm ET

Where: Virtual webinar, please register

Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8e5JeFaiTfOH8sWvPKwsiQ#/registration

We’re proud to have recognized Augusta Health as a 2024 CMS Health Equity Award winner for their work in helping to improve health care access in rural communities. Augusta Health is a non-profit, independent hospital serving communities of the Shenandoah Valley in Virgina. Since its launch in 2022, their Primary Care Mobile Clinic program has grown to 14 different sites every month including community centers, churches, fire houses, the mayor’s office, and homeless shelters. In one year, the program provided over 1,700 primary care visits for 825 patients at 17 different sites. Augusta Health’s Primary Care Mobile Clinic program illustrates the impact of community-driven interventions in addressing health disparities.

Click here to register.

Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

CMS Publishes Two New Reports on GADCS Website

OSHA Proposed Rule Impact Survey

Attention EMS Leaders!

We are reaching out to gather your insights on the potential financial impact of the recent OSHA Proposed Rule concerning health and safety requirements in the EMS sector. Your feedback is invaluable and will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and response to these proposed changes.

We have prepared a short survey to capture your perspectives and estimate the potential implications on your operations. The survey can be accessed here, and we would appreciate all responses be submitted by May 15, 2024.

Please note that the public comment period for these changes closes on June 21, 2024. We aim to include the data collected from this survey in the AAA’s public comment letter to ensure that our industry’s voice is heard.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important initiative. Your participation is essential in helping us navigate these potential regulatory changes effectively.

Take the Survey

2024 EMSNext Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2024 EMSNext Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the 2024 EMSNext Award Winners. This initiative shines a light on EMS’ emerging leaders, encouraging them to expand their horizons and skill sets by diving into the unique leadership programs, opportunities, and events offered by the AAA. EMSNext is more than an award; it’s a gateway for these promising individuals to connect, grow, and lead the future of emergency medical services.

“We’re thrilled to honor our 2024 EMSNext Award Winners,” says AAA President Randy Strozyk. “This is our chance to back the upcoming leaders who’ll shape the future of EMS. Their drive and innovative ideas inspire us all.”

Todd Cornett II | Chief of Field Operations, Jan-Care Ambulance, Inc. | Ghent, WV

Scott Dekas | Division Manager of Operations, Falk Northern California |Hayward, CA

Josh Duffy |  Procurement Manager, REMSA Health | Reno, NV

Tyanie Gordon  | Federal and National Services Clinical Director, Global Medical Response | Tucson, AZ

Elisabeth Handgraaf |  Education & Training Coordinator, Critical Care Paramedic, Bell Ambulance, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI

Sean Lyons  | Director of Mobile Integrated Health Services, Medically Home | CT

Casey McBeath | Director of Communications and Technology, Balentine Ambulance Service, Inc. | Shreveport, LA

Gibson McCullagh | Chief Operating Officer, Pro EMS | Cambridge, MA

Alex Pafford |  Louisiana Director of Operations, Pafford EMS – Ruston | Ruston, LA

Marco Patino |  Education Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. |  IL

Nick Romenesko |  Operations Director, Gold Cross Ambulance | Menasha, WI

Mark Selapack  | Division Manager – Operations, Falk Mobile Health | San Diego, CA

Brandon Trauba |  Operations Manager, Lakes Region EMS | Stacy, MN

Adam Valine | District Chief, M Health Fairview | New Brighton, MN

Michelle Whennen | Revenue Cycle Manager, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, IL

Scott Willits | Director of Mobile Integrated Health Strategy, Medically Home | OR

Austin Wingate | Deputy Chief, Grand County EMS | Littleton, CO

Thomas Wobby |  Operations Manager, Pro EMS | Cambridge, MA

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Nashville, TN April 22-24. They will also be recognized at our opening keynote address on Monday, April 22, 2024.

“EMSNext is a cornerstone for nurturing the talents that will carry EMS into tomorrow,” shares Strozyk. “It’s about recognizing and empowering those who dare to innovate and lead in our field.”

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.

2024 Vanguard Award Winners Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2024 Vanguard Award Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Vanguard Awards. The Vanguards honor those who blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals, and the 16 winners represent a diverse group of dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to mobile healthcare.

“The Vanguard Awards pay tribute to the exceptional women who’ve torn down walls and laid the groundwork for those who follow,” AAA President Randy Strozyk remarked. “We’re honored to recognize and celebrate their contributions.”

Lisa Camp | EMS Chief, Friendswood EMS | Friendswood, TX

Jennie Collins | EMS Director, Dare County EMS | Manteo, North Carolina

Michelle Golba-Norek | MICN, Director of EMS Education, HMH JFK EMS | New Jersey

Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne | Director, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health State Office of EMS | St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Lavonne Hall | Chairman of the Board and CAO, Hall Ambulance Service | Bakersfield, CA

Kathy Hilton | AEMT, Billing Administrator, Trainer, Beaverhead Emergency Medical Services | Dillon, MT

Vicki Messer | Paramedic, retired | Jasper, TN

Carole A. Myers | Retired, Myers Ambulance Service | Greenwood, IN

J.L. (Matt) Netski | Administration Manager, American Medical Response/Medic West | Nevada

Suzanne Prentiss | Executive Director, American Trauma Society | New Hampshire

Jill C. Ridenhour | EMS Coordinator, Summit Fire and EMS | Silverthorne, CO

Ailyn Feir Risch | Paramedic Project Manager, American Medical Response | Commerce City, CO

Stacie Selmi | EMS Operations Supervisor, REMSA Health | Sparks, NV

Leslee Stein Spencer | Senior EMS Advisor, IL Dept. of Public Health | Chicago, IL

Jennifer A. Swab | Paramedic/Training Coordinator, Foxwall EMS | Pittsburgh, PA

Dawn “Lainey” Volk | Director of Outreach & Community Paramedicine, San Juan Island EMS | Friday Harbor, Washington

The Vanguard Awards are presented in collaboration with Women in Emergency Services (WiES), an organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the emergency services industry through empowerment, networking, mentorship, and education.

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Nashville, TN April 22-24. They will also be recognized at the President’s Reception on the evening of April 23, and their profiles will be featured on the AAA website and social media.

“The Vanguard Awards honor the achievements of women who have shattered obstacles and paved the way for upcoming generations,” Strozyk stated. “It is our privilege to commemorate their enduring impact.”

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.

CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum: Rescheduled

The Ambulance Open Door Forum has been rescheduled from March 14th to NEW DATE date, April 11th at the same time of 2:00pm-3:00pm ET. Thank you.

Register Here

Overview:

The Ambulance Open Door Forum (ODF) addresses issues related to the Medicare payment, billing, and coverage for air and ground ambulance services. The Ambulance Fee Schedule (AFS) proposed and final rules, rural and other additional payments under the AFS, and Prior Authorization of Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport (RSNAT) are just some of the many types of issues addressed within the forum. In addition, discussions differentiating the rules related to ambulance providers and independent ambulance suppliers are facilitated. Timely announcements and clarifications regarding important rulemaking, agency program initiatives and other related areas are also included in the forum.

CMS Releases New GADCS Tip Sheet for Rural, Super Rural Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new “Reporting for Rural and Super-Rural Organizations Tip Sheet” on February 16, 2024. This guide assists ground ambulance organizations in rural and super-rural areas to meet the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) requirements.

You can find all of their tip sheets, including those focused on allocation, governmental, and public safety organizations, on the CMS GADCS website.

Services selected as part of the Year 3 and Year 4 list are due to submit their 2023 data to CMS by May 31, 2024, or 5 months after the close of their fiscal year. The AAA offers various resources to help services collect, verify, and submit data on time and avoid penalties. For more information about our resources, including Amber, email hello@ambulance.org.

CMS Updates GADCS User Guide | Feb 29 Office Hours

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Dear Ground Ambulance Providers and Suppliers,

Starting January 1, 2024, selected ground ambulance organizations in Year 3 and Year 4 are required to report cost, utilization, revenue, and other information to CMS. Organizations that fail to report may be subject to a 10 percent payment reduction.

Learn about an updated user guide and upcoming webinar:

Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System: Updated GADCS User Guide

CMS updated the step-by-step Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) User Guide to include changes that we finalized in the CY 2024 Physician Fee Schedule final rule.

More Information:

 

Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System: Office Hours Session – February 29

Thursday, February 29 from 2–3pm ET

Register for this webinar:

Do you have questions about the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS)? CMS and our contractors will address GADCS-related questions in real-time. While everyone is welcome to participate, this session will be most relevant to selected ground ambulance organizations in Year 3 and Year 4 of the GADCS as they begin reporting data to CMS in 2024.

This session will be divided into 2 topics:

  • 2–2:30pm: GADCS instructions and how to respond to specific questions
  • 2:30–3pm: User accounts, accessing the GADCS portal, and information technology issues

Visit  Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System for resources including:

  • Printable version of the GADCS instrument in English and Spanish
  • Updated GADCS User Guide
  • Tip sheets on reporting and getting access to the GADCS, FAQs, and prior educational sessions
  • Lists of ground ambulance organizations required to participate in Years 1–4

Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System Overview Webinar – January 18

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Dear ground ambulance providers and suppliers,

Starting January 1, 2024, selected ground ambulance organizations in Year 3 and Year 4 are required to report cost, utilization, revenue, and other information to CMS. Organizations that fail to report may be subject to a 10 percent payment reduction.

Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System Overview Webinar – January 18

Thursday, January 18 from 2– 3:30 pm ET

Register for this webinar. While everyone is welcome to participate, this session will be most relevant to selected ground ambulance organizations in Years 3 and 4 as they start reporting Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) data to CMS in 2024.

This 60-minute presentation will cover all aspects of the GADCS, including:

  • Overview and key concepts
  • Section walkthrough
  • User accounts, logging in, and linking to your organization
  • Submitting and certifying your data

A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

More Information:

  • Ambulance Events webpage: The January 18 presentation will be posted here
  • Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System webpage:
    • Printable version of the GADCS instrument in English and Spanish
    • GADCS User Guide
    • Tip sheets on reporting and getting access, FAQs, and prior educational sessions
    • Lists of ground ambulance organizations required to participate in Years 1–4

Employee Turnover Study Due 4/30 | iPad Raffle

The American Ambulance Association is partnering with Newton 360, an ambulance industry partner and Human Resource support firm, to conduct our fifth annual industry turnover study. Our intent is to comprehensively collect and analyze ambulance industry employee turnover data to produce a report that provides useful and actionable data. We are inviting EMS organizations to participate in the study. The study will be conducted and managed by Dennis Doverspike, PhD, and Rosanna Miguel, PhD, who are associated with the Center for Applied Talent Analytics at John Carroll University. Each individual or organizational response will be strictly confidential.

The purpose of the study is to better quantify and understand the reasons for turnover at nearly every organizational level within the EMS Industry. Thank you very much for your time and support.

Laying the Groundwork for Reducing Employee Turnover

Why participate in the survey?

  1. Educate elected officials, municipalities, and healthcare clients. The insight gained from this survey can help influence the actions, practices, or decisions of officials regarding regulatory and funding policies at the federal, regional, or local level. Specifically, this important data can help validate the critical staffing challenges faced by the EMS industry. This year, we continue to have queries related to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) even though it is scheduled to end on May 11, 2023. We feel that it is important to understand the lingering impact of the PHE on EMS turnover and its related costs.
  2. This study is critical to gaining insight into combating staff shortages. The AAA / Newton 360 2023 Ambulance Industry Employee Turnover Study aims to yield the information that organizations need to identify and benchmark their turnover challenges. Over the years this survey has been conducted, it has generated the largest response to a turnover survey ever published for the private EMS industry.
  3. Participating organizations will have full access to the final report at no charge. The comprehensive results of the study will be shared exclusively with each participating organization. Shorter write-ups and summaries of the results may be shared at conferences or published in relevant periodicals or journals.

Before You Start

It is recommended you gather information about your employees and about turnover before completing the questionnaire.

In this survey, we will be asking about headcount (filled and open positions), the number of employees leaving the organization, and reasons for employees leaving. We will be asking these questions for each of the following job categories: supervisor, dispatch, EMT, part-time EMT, paramedic, and part-time paramedic. Headcount refers to the number of filled and open positions for each job category at the end of 2022. Filled positions refer to the number of employees in each job category that were on payroll at the end of 2022. For each job category, the number of filled positions should be added to the number of open positions at the end of 2022 to determine the total headcount.

The survey will open on April 17th, 2023, and close at end of the day, on April 30th, 2023. The survey can be accessed by following the link below. If the hyperlink does not work when clicked, please copy the hyperlink and paste it into your browser.
https://johncarroll.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57s6B8d92GW44wS

Take the Survey

Thank you,
Scott Moore, Esq.
Newton 360
Workforce Dynamics, Inc.
(781) 236-4411 office
(781) 771-9914 mobile
www.newton360.com

Employee Retention Tax Credit Quick Take

Recently, members have asked numerous questions about the COVID-19-related Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC).  HR/Operations Consultant Scott Moore, Esq., addresses common areas of confusion and shares information about the ERTC program in this Quick Take.

 

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