City of Worthington Division of Fire and EMS
Emergency Medical Services Transport Billing
What You Need to Know:
The City of Worthington is proud to provide residents with exemplary safety
services. The Division of Fire and Emergency Medical Services has consistently
ranked as superior in Community Attitude Surveys over the years. In 2005, the
Division began a new program to save taxpayer money and assist us in continuing
the same quality of service our residents expect.
Beginning in March 2005, the Worthington Division of Fire and EMS implemented a billing program for emergency medical transport services. EMS billing defrays some of the costs associated with emergency medical service and is expected to save City taxpayers up to $400,000 each year.
Instead of the City being responsible for the entire cost of all emergency transports, EMS billing collects from existing funds available within Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance policies. If residents and/or family members are provided with emergency medical transportation services to a local hospital, a bill for the transport will be sent directly to the insurance company, Medicare or Medicaid. Private and government health insurance plans include provisions for EMS transportation. The practice of EMS billing is common throughout the country with approximately 85% of communities nationwide participating.
It is important to note that patient care will not be compromised in any way by this program and residents should never be afraid to call 9-1-1 for help when needed. No one will ever be denied service based on ability to pay or for lack of health insurance. A "soft billing" policy will be followed in Worthington. Worthington residents will not be billed for a transport or any outstanding balance on a claim even if they do not have insurance.
How EMS Billing works:
If EMS personnel determine that transportation to the hospital is necessary,
patient information is gathered if circumstances allow and paperwork is
completed. The information is submitted to third party billing administrator,
MBI Solutions, which submits the claim to Medicare or the insurance carrier and
follows up as necessary until the claim is settled. Residents may receive an
initial statement from the insurance company describing the service benefits.
The City of Worthington will waive co-pay and deductible amounts for residents, and residents will not be billed if they do not have insurance. For residents with insurance, if the insurance company submits payment to the patient instead of the City of Worthington, the City will contact the patient to request reimbursement. Patients who live outside of Worthington will be expected to meet their co-pay and deductible obligations, but if they are unable to pay after three billings, the City will not pursue payment. There will be no charge for emergency medical care if a patient is not transported.
The City of Worthington's EMS billing program will not affect patient care in any way. The Worthington Division of Fire and EMS will continue to provide excellent service to the Worthington community. For more information, please call the Worthington Division of Fire and EMS at 885-7640, or contact us through this page .