AAC
RESEARCH CORNER Ambulance
sidy, with providers utilizing a fee for service model to garner enough revenue to cover the cost of doing business. Today’s EMS systems are the healthcare safety net and fill the gap for proper medical coverage for many communities without lo- cal hospitals and access to healthcare clinics after hours. EMS systems across the state all participate with the Department of Health Services (DHS) Trauma System and adhere to strict guidelines for coverage and protocols required of them. Al- though I come from a ‘mom and pop’ ambulance service that taught me many life lessons, the days of it or a ‘mother jugs and speeds’ version of ambulance service has timed out. Ar kansas
providers have worked very hard to ensure quality care across the state with access to ALS systems. Tis model and many of our rural pro- viders are fac- ing challeng- ing times, and EMS as we know it is in severe jeopar- dy, and change is on the horizon. Te quality of care and the requirements of systems today
“ Continued From Page 13 <<< “In 2020, modern EMS systems celebrate their 50th an-
niversary. For nearly this entire life cycle, the ArAA has stood as the recognized trade organization representing all classes of ambulance providers across the state. Te ambulance in- dustry stands strong in its traditions of innovation, flexibility and resilience. Today’s EMS agencies face new challenges in responding to time sensitive emergencies such as heart at- tack, stroke, trauma.” Arkansas’ EMS providers have responded in unique ways to
As we move forward, a commitment from all involved to find solutions will be needed. Many in the region are realizing to
ensure quality EMS, they will have to find ways to properly fund the systems in the future, making it a priority for citizens.”
Chairperson for the American Ambulance Association
advance and grow the industry and the levels of care provided across the state. Te ArAA has been instrumental in conduct- ing provider education as well as com- munity and stakeholder education. Te industry has helped craft legisla- tion such as the Municipal Ambulance F ranchis - ing Act and most recently the Medicaid Ambulance Supplemental
— Jamie Pafford-Greshamn
have outpaced the revenue streams provided for a fee for service model. A stagnant 24-year lull in proper funding from state Medicaid, below cost reimbursement from Medicare, changes in wage and hour for providers expected to work many 24- hour shifts in a week, as well as new technology requirements and equipment costs continuing to rise has ambulance provid- ers searching for assistance. It is not that they are bad stewards of their money, but they lack funding, and understanding of needs and support from communities in which they serve. As we move forward, a commitment from all involved to find so- lutions will be needed. Many in the region are realizing to en- sure quality EMS, they will have to find ways to properly fund the systems in the future, making it a priority for citizens.” Ken Kelley is the president/chief executive officer of ProMed Ambulance, a private EMS agency serving six Arkansas coun- ties. Kelley is a past president of the Arkansas Ambulance As- sociation (ArAA) and serves as the organization’s government affairs committee chair. Kelley adds:
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Payment Program which, though passed in 2017, has yet to be implemented. Te industry and DHS have recently re- engaged in talks that are hoped to bring about a state plan amendment that will help provide some fiscal relief. Perry County Judge Toby Davis knows all too well the
adverse impact the stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates have had on rural Arkansas. Judge Davis testified to the legislative committees. “Perry County is small in population, 10,455 according
to the 2010 U.S. Census (ranked 63rd by population),” he said. “Perry County is 561 square miles, bordered by Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Pulaski, Saline, and Yell counties. Te eco- nomic base is mostly agriculture and logging. Perry County is a rural bedroom community that consists of a lot of elderly and retired people.” Te Judge further states “Te county needs to have two am- bulances. When one ambulance is taking care of a call another ambulance needs to be available to respond to a second call. However, there is only enough funding and call volume to sustain one ambulance. Tere are several challenges in secur-
COUNTY LINES, SPRING 2020
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