Mid-Mo Ambulance plans for a new California base

At its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, June 12, the Mid-Mo Ambulance District Board of Directors was informed of a "firm commitment" concerning property for a new California ambulance base. Information is being sought concerning the possibility of a lease-purchase.

A second item of business of the board was a review of the Critical Care Transport service

Following the presentation by Supervisor Jason Elliott on the program and learning that the program is currently self-supporting, the board approved continuing the program until it is no longer financially feasible or needed.

According to Elliott, the program began transporting critical care patients between medical facilities in June of 2012. There were 66 transports by the program in the last year, with an average age of 62. Those transported were primarily critical cardiac and respiratory patients. Most transports were to University Hospital or Landmark Hospital, both in Columbia, and most were from Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach.

Elliott, using a spread sheet, showed that the program is paying its own way. With the funds which are yet to be collected on bills for the last year of operation, the program should see a profit of about $13,000.

Administrator Lee Kempf commented that he thought the service was needed, but thought it might operate at a loss. Since it is paying for itself, and is apparently a needed service, he recommended continuation of the program.

Elliott also recommended the baserate and mileage rates be adjusted to be more in line with Medicare's allowable rate. The board approved changing the baserate to $800 and the mileage charge to $10 per loaded mile.

Kempf also brought another issue to the attention of the board, that of problems with the narrow band radio communications. Solutions are being sought.

On a good note, Kempf reported a recent email from Lake Regional giving a time of 89 minutes from the 911 call to the patient being "ballooned in the cath lab." With a tansport time of 39 minutes, Kempf said this was "impressive" and the way the program is supposed to work.

The treasurer's report for April was presented with a balance of funds on hand in the amount of $492,694.06.

Run stats for April were presented: Tipton - 52 calls with 31 transports; California - 74 calls, 43 transports; Versailles - 163 calls, 121 transports; and Barnett - 20 calls, 12 transports. Total calls district-wide were 309 with 207 transports, for a transport rate on patient contact calls of 74.7 percent.

The next meeting is set for Wednesday, July 10, at 7 p.m.