CMS GADCS: Public Safety Webinar Recording
CMS recently posted an updated Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) webinar on Public Safety Organizations on their Ambulance Events webpage.
CMS recently posted an updated Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) webinar on Public Safety Organizations on their Ambulance Events webpage.
CMS recently posted an updated Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS) webinar on Labor Costs on their Ambulance Events webpage.
The all-volunteer National EMS Memorial Service honors EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty. Write your message of sympathy for the families of the 2024 honorees below, and they will be shared with them at the NEMSMS Weekend of Honor. Even just a sentence or two means the world to those left behind.
The American Ambulance Association is collecting messages on behalf of the National EMS Memorial Service for the families of EMS professionals who passed away in the line of duty. Please use this form to share your message with the loved ones left behind. View a list of the 2024 honorees at https://ems.zone/24nemsmshonorees
It is with profound sorrow that the American Ambulance Association extends our heartfelt condolences to the Acadian family on the passing of Richard Zuschlag. As a cherished friend and esteemed colleague, Richard’s impact on the EMS community and beyond is immeasurable. His vision, generosity, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Randy Strozyk, President of the American Ambulance Association, aptly said, “Richard was a giant in our field, whose passion for service and commitment to excellence set a standard that will inspire future generations. His legacy of compassion and leadership will forever guide us.”
Richard’s life was a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and servant leadership. He was a beacon of hope and a force for good, and his memory will continue to inspire and uplift us.
The Passing of Richard Emery Zuschlag
March 28, 1948 – June 5, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with you the passing of our friend, mentor, and leader Richard Emery Zuschlag. Richard fought the hard fight that so many with cancer and its complications have endured. While we mourn our extraordinary loss, we are comforted in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He is now in the loving arms of his Lord, in whom he had unwavering faith.
Richard was a much loved and admired agent of change, not only in the state of Louisiana but across the nation. The lives he affected through his vision, generosity, inspiration, and leadership are countless. Whether a friend, employee, peer or patient, all of our lives were changed due to his undeniable determination to make a difference.
His legacy endures through his beautiful family, and in every life saved, every patient helped, and in every battle he waged to ensure that all people had access to high-quality medical care. He never backed down when fighting for the things he loved most: his family, his employees, and the communities he served.
His legacy also lives on in the company he tirelessly worked 53 years to grow and nurture. Acadian Companies is not just a successful organization but also serves as an example of how servant leadership, high integrity and unwavering determination create success, not for one, but for all.
We will forever be changed, forever be grateful, and forever be better because of who Richard was and the lessons and legacy he has left us. He treated everyone with respect and was constantly striving to bring people together for the greater good. It is up to all of us to honor this legacy by living and leading by his example and his faith. Because of Richard, Acadian is stronger than ever, and in his honor, we will carry on his life’s work.
Special thanks go out to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Dr. Charles Burnell, Dr. Jason Breaux, Paul Hamilton and the many friends and healthcare providers who attended to him.
Please continue to pray for Richard, his family, friends and all those whose lives have been forever changed by this loss.
Information regarding services will be provided when available. We humbly ask you to please respect the privacy of the family while arrangements are being made.
Happy Pride Month from the American Ambulance Association!
This month, and every month, #EMS celebrates the diversity of our patients, community members, and dedicated workforce. Happy #pridemonth from the American Ambulance Association! #Pride #pride2024 #PrideMonth2024 pic.twitter.com/P6YJeDkcWU
— American Ambulance Association (@amerambassoc) June 4, 2024
Please either Join!
orThe Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program helps First Responders navigate the over 1400 grants available nationwide to pinpoint those tailored to meet their specific needs. Life-Assist offers unlimited and customized grants at no cost, powered by Lexipol.
The process is easy and increases the likelihood of success in securing grants. With the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program, first responders have access to a comprehensive grant database to easily identify the grant that will support them with their EMS needs. To help navigate this vast landscape, unlimited and personalized grant research assistance specific to each agency’s project is provided. First Responders can also set up alerts for projects when using this program.
Getting started with the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program is as simple as visiting our dedicated Grant webpage and filling out a 2-page form powered by Lexipol. The agency will hear from a Grant consultation expert soon after, who will help throughout the entire process to maximize the chances of successfully securing the funding sought.
Andy Selby, Vice-President of Sales at Life-Assist, explains why we started the Grant Assistance Program. “At Life-Assist, our primary purpose is to provide the best resources and tools available to First Responders. OurGrants Program will give access to unlimited funding opportunities to support critical patient care programs to our First Responders in local communities across the country,” Andy Selby, VP of Sales, Life-Assist.
To apply for a Grant through the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program free of cost, visit: https://www.life-assist.com/info/grants
Please either Join!
orAttention 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.
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Jonathon Feit eulogizes Mike Touchstone for making significant contributions to advance EMS and fire leadership.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org
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.”
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Samantha Hilker
Director of Strategic Initiatives
shilker@ambulance.org
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.”
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.
Heroes who look past danger to help people in need,
Heroes to step in to be the difference between triumph and tragedy,
And Heroes who use their minds to create technology that saves lives.
We need those Heroes.
GoAERO is offering $2+ Million in prizes for the best thinkers, creators and inventors to build Emergency Response Flyers and stretch and challenge their minds to unlock a new era of disaster and rescue response.
By unleashing the power of autonomy, speed, and precision, GoAERO is looking for the brightest, boldest and bravest to change the way we rescue and respond to disaster.
This is your chance to make history and save lives.
On March 9, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the creation of the Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) Program. Under the CHOPD Program, CMS will make accelerated payments to Part A providers and advance payments to Part B suppliers that have experienced claims disruptions as a result of the Change Healthcare cyberattack.
Under the CHOPD Program, qualifying providers and suppliers will be eligible to apply for and receive Medicare advances of up to 30 days of their average Medicare payments. Applications for payment advances must be made to the provider’s or supplier’s Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The 30-day payment advance will be based on the average Medicare payments to the provider or supplier between August 1, 2023 and October 31, 2023. Specifically, CMS will compute the total amounts paid to the provider during this period, and then divide by 3 to arrive at the 30-day average amount.
Advance payments received through the CHOPD Program are considered a loan. Therefore, these amounts must be repaid through offsets against future Medicare payments. Recoupments will commence on the date the advance payments are received by the provider or supplier. These recoupments will be equal to 100% of future payments, and will continue until the earlier to occur of: (1) the full repayment of the advance payment or (2) 90 days. In the event a balance remains after 90 days, the MAC will generate a demand notice for the outstanding balance, which must be repaid within 30 days. If the provider does not repay the outstanding balance within that period, interest will start to accrue on the outstanding balance.
Providers and suppliers with multiple National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) may be eligible for multiple advance payments.
To qualify for advance payments, a provider or supplier must meet the following requirements:
To the extent a provider or supplier is approved for an advance payment, they must then execute a Terms and Conditions document acknowledging the following:
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on March 9
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to monitor and assess the impact that the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Change Healthcare has had on all provider and supplier types. Today, CMS is announcing that, in addition to considering applications for accelerated payments for Medicare Part A providers, we will also be considering applications for advance payments for Part B suppliers.
Over the last few days, we have continued to meet with health plans, providers and suppliers to hear about their most pressing concerns. As announced previously, we have directed our Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to expedite actions needed for providers and suppliers to change the clearinghouse they use and to accept paper claims if providers need to use that method. We will continue to respond to provider and supplier inquiries regarding MAC processes.
CMS also recognizes that many Medicaid providers are deeply affected by the impact of the cyberattack. We are continuing to work closely with States and are urging Medicaid managed care plans to make prospective payments to impacted providers, as well.
All MACs will provide public information on how to submit a request for a Medicare accelerated or advance payment on their websites as early as today, Saturday, March 9.
CMS looks forward to continuing to support the provider community during this difficult situation. All affected providers should reach out to health plans and other payers for assistance with the disruption. CMS has encouraged Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to offer advance funding to providers affected by this cyberattack. The rules governing CMS’s payments to MA organizations and Part D sponsors remain unchanged. Please note that nothing in this statement speaks to the arrangements between MA organizations or Part D sponsors and their contracted providers or facilities.
For more information view the Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance
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On February 21, 2024, UnitedHealth Group (UHG) disclosed that one of its subsidiaries was the victim of a ransomware attack. According to UHG, the cyberattack was perpetrated against Change Healthcare, an operating unit within UHG’s Optum subsidiary. Change Healthcare is a health care technology company that provides support and technical services to UHG and numerous other health care insurers. In response to the cyberattack, UHG proactively isolated the affected systems while it works to assess the damage.
Change Healthcare offers a range of services to the healthcare industry, including payment and billing, prescription processing, and data analytics. According to its website, it processes more than 15 billing healthcare transactions annually. According to the American Hospital Association, Change Healthcare touches 1 out of every 3 patient records.
As of today, Change Healthcare’s systems remain down, and there is no definitive timetable for when the company anticipates restoring services.
On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement detailing the steps HHS would be taking to avoid further disruptions to the health care system. Specifically, HHS/CMS indicated that it would:
HHS also indicated that it would permit hospitals to submit requests for Medicare Accelerated Payments, similar to those issued during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic; however other providers/suppliers do not seem to have access to this workaround HHS indicated that its MACs would be issuing specific guidance on how to request accelerated payments later this week.
According to various reports, there are approximately 800 payers whose claims routing processes utilize Change Healthcare’s network. The day-to-day processing of electronic claims for these payers may be impacted in varying degrees. This impact may be felt directly, in the case of claims submitted directly by the provider to the payer, or indirectly, in the case of claims submitted through a clearinghouse.
The AAA encourages members to contact their clearinghouses to see which payers, if any, are being affected by the system interruption. Payers that are not capable of processing electronic claims will likely have opened channels for claims to submitted on paper. The clearinghouses should be able to provide additional information on the steps a provider needs to take to ensure the proper processing of these claims.
Optum has also established temporary alternative funding options. Essentially, these are advances based on historical claims submissions, which will be repaid (likely through claim offsets) once Optum’s systems are fully back online. At this point it is unclear whether ambulance providers will be eligible for this alternative funding. Members are encouraged to check the Optum website for further updates.
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.
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.
Meet Dave Raymond, a dedicated firefighter EMT, and his wife, Kelly, who has been on a courageous four-year quest to find a kidney donor. In December 2023, a ray of hope shone through when Kelly’s uncle, though not a match for her, selflessly donated a kidney on her behalf through the National Kidney Registry’s standard voucher program. While Kelly is still waiting for the perfect match, they are one significant step closer, and Dave and Kelly are feeling blessed by this development.
A Struggle Behind the Scenes
However, behind this hopeful story lies a financial crisis. Despite Dave’s tireless efforts, working multiple jobs, having private medical insurance and Medicare for Kelly, the overwhelming burden of unpaid co-pays and uncovered balances has pushed the Raymond family into a dire financial situation. They now face the imminent threat of losing their home and only vehicle, and Kelly’s health is further compromised as they are unable to schedule specialist appointments due to unpaid balances.
“Dave is working four jobs. We have both private health insurance and Medicare, and the medical bills still keep piling up. I’m on daily dialysis and can’t work. There are no more hours left in the day for Dave to work. I am worried he will lose his health and we’ll lose our home. The stress is overwhelming.” – Kelly Raymond
The Raymond Family’s Sacrifice
Dave and his son, Christopher, share a profound commitment to saving lives as firefighter EMTs. Yet, the harsh reality is that they are unable to save Kelly on their own. The burden of mounting bills has forced them to turn to their community, and their fire service/EMS family for support.
Your Chance to Make a Difference
Now is the time for us to rally together and support these everyday heroes who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Your contribution will not only ease the financial strain on the Raymond family but also allow them to focus on what matters most – Kelly’s health and well-being. Your donation can be the lifeline this family desperately needs.
Kelly’s Medical History of Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Kelly has struggled with medical issues all her life. She has Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes which created many health complications. But one by one, Kelly has overcome and moved on, keeping an incredibly optimistic outlook. In 2013 she lost her leg to diabetes but has adapted very well. In 2020 her kidneys started shutting down rapidly and it was determined that she would need a kidney transplant to live. In the meantime, Kelly is doing dialysis 7 days a week to keep going. It is difficult, but we are grateful that dialysis buys her some time while we search for a donor. Many people have stepped up for Kelly and all but one has been found medically ineligible to donate. Unfortunatley the one approved donor had a major family crisis that put kidney donation on hold indefinitely. With the National Kidney Registry standard voucher, Kelly is now waiting patiently to be matched with a living kidney donor, which will likely happen within the year.
Good news…
Kelly is waiting to be matched with a living kidney donor!
The need…
The Raymond family’s financial situation is dire!
We Need to Raise $20,000
100% of your donation will go to the Raymond family. EMS Gives Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.