SA国际传媒

SA国际传媒

EMS bill introduces on-scene care reimbursement

Legislation focuses on extending Medicare coverage for ambulance services

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Photo/Anna Moneymaker

By Bill Carey
SA国际传媒

CLINTON, Miss. 鈥 The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has announced the introduction of the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act.鈥

This proposed legislation aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act, extending Medicare coverage to ambulance services focusing on on-scene care and support, excluding transportation.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Welch (D-VT) and Sen. Sanders (I-VT). Rep. Balint (VT-AL) introduced a companion bill in the House.鈥

Read the legislation .

鈥淲e are extremely thankful that U.S. Senator Welch (VT) has introduced the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support (EMS ROCS) Act. This Bill facilitates reimbursement for ambulance agencies for Treatment in Place (TIP), irrespective of whether the patient is transported to an emergency department. Reimbursement for the鈥痗are we provide, as opposed to the鈥痶ransport we supply, has been a goal of the EMS profession for decades,鈥 NAEMT Director and Chair of the NAEMT EMS Economics Committee Matt Zavadsky stated.鈥

He added, 鈥淭his bill would allow local communities, EMS leaders, and Medical Directors to develop and implement patient-centric clinical care protocols that facilitate patients receiving the right care, in the right setting, at the right time, without being financially penalized for doing so. NAEMT is very thankful for the collaborative efforts of the American Ambulance Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs that have helped get this bill introduced.鈥