Administrator Lee Kempf informed the Mid-Mo Ambulance District board of directors, at the regular monthly meeting held Wednesday, July 9, of two incidents during this week by irate patients concerning extra mileage charges on their ambulance bills. One phoned and one came in person.
Kempf explained to the board about Medicare repayment for ambulance transport. Medicare will pay for ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate hospital. If the patient chooses a more distant hospital, the Medicare rule is that the patient is responsible for the extra mileage beyond the closest hospital. Kempf said in his opinion, the patient should be responsible for knowing what their insurance covers and doesn't cover. He, office staff and a board member will work on something for the local papers for beneficial public education for Medicare recipients to help with understanding the authorized coverage.
Related to the incidents above, Kempf was instructed to see if something could be done to separate office staff from clients as many places now have.
A discussion about the water problems at the Versailles base, due to all of the rain, was held. Kempf will contact someone to see what solutions are available.
Mid-Mo will help St. Mary's Health Center move patients to the new hospital in November.
The board approved payment for bills and payroll. In other business, the June treasurer's report of the balance on hand was $590,157.21. Run statistics were: Tipton - 46 calls with 31 transports; California - 79 calls, 48 transports; Versailles - 145 calls, 107 transports; and Barnett - 47 calls, 27 transports. District wide, there were 317 calls with 213 transports for a transport rate on patient contact calls of 75.3 percent.
The board went into closed session to discuss modification of a personnel reprimand last month. An employee was reprimended by reduction from Level IV Paramedic to Level III Paramedic with eligibility to return to the Level IV by December 2015. After discussion, the board decided the individual will be eligible to apply for Level IV Paramedic again June 1, 2015.
The next regular meeting is set for Aug. 13.