GCEMS - Billing

Process and procedures of GCEMS billing

It is in the best interest of our ambulance service and our patients to obtain documentation within a 24 hour time period for efficient and effective claim processing. Invoices are sent to our patients with notations at the bottom relating to the status of their account. Their first invoice is accompanied by our patient privacy policy.

Insurance Accounts:
A Health Insurance Claim Form (HCFA) is filed with the appropriate insurance payment(s). After a grace period of 30 days, if payment has not been received, a follow up is required to obtain a status of the submitted claim. If payment has been received, the credit is applied to the account and any remaining balance is the patients responsibility. Patients are given the option to pay the balance in full or establish a monthly payment plan. If the insurance company’s claim determination is not satisfying, an appeal can be filed providing additional documentation to be considered.

Self Pay Accounts:
Uninsured patients are encouraged to contact our billing division to discuss payment options.
25% discount is offered to patient account that can be paid in full.
Accommodating payment plans can be established.
Financial assistance programs are available.

Collection Accounts:
Once our collection efforts are exhausted, we utilize two outside collection entities depending on residency.
Grand County residents are forwarded to the County Attorney for legal action.
All other residents are forwarded to our collection agency, Affiliated Credit Services (ACS).
Although these accounts are no longer affiliated with our division, we are able to provide you the contact information you need for the account.

Discounts:
January 2006 the Board of County Commissioners approved a discount in the amount of $112.50 for Grand County residence.
Financial Assistance discounts vary and are based on information received.
Mileage allowance has been approved this year for patients who share an ambulance transport to an out of county facility

Grand County EMS Service Fees

Extensive research of fees is done by our EMS Chief, Ray Jennings, to determine what is reasonable and customary within our area of jurisdiction. In 2007, we adjusted our fees to reflect the average fees of our surrounding counties. Our base rate fees and mileage costs were slightly reduced in comparison to our previous charge amounts. Fortunately, we were still able to accommodate the patient by significantly reducing our drug charges.

Our basic fee structure is as follows:
Treat/No Transport Fee $200.00

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Emergent & Non-Emergent
Base Charge $953.76
Mileage (actual loaded miles) $14.87
Disposable Supplies $75.00

Basic Life Support (BLS) Emergent & Non-Emergent
Base Charge $847.00
Mileage (actual loaded miles) $14.87
Disposable Supplies $65.00

All drug charges are in addition to the above standard charges and vary depending on the need of the patient. For a list of our drug charges, please contact our administrative division.

Other charges that could be applied in addition to the above standard charges:
Basic Airway $75.00
Advanced Airway $150.00
Cricothyrotomy (Airway) $120.00
Extra Attendant Charge $50.00
Back Country Response $150.00
Extrication $125.00
ALS IV Administration $60.00
BLS IV Administration $50.00
Cardiac Monitor $75.00
Nebulizer Therapy $50.00
Child Delivery $500.00
Glucometer Test $40.00
Defibrillation $75.00
Chest Decompression $150.00
Cardiac Pacing $75.00
CO2 Detector $50.00

Grand County Financial Assistance Program

In order for you to take advantage of this offer, we must receive the information requested promptly. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to our office with requested documentation. Documentation must be received in our office within 30 days of this notice. Your response is imperative in order to prevent your account from being turned over for collection action. If you have questions of need assistance, please contact our office.

Thank You,
Grand County EMS
Administrative Division