Most patients don't realize they have a choice on which ambulance service to use in a non-emergency transfer.
When your insurance is being billed or when you're paying out of pocket for service, you have a choice on which ambulance service to use. Consumers do not realize this and traditionally rely on their clinician to make the decision for them. The times are changing and consumers are taking charge of their healthcare. More importantly, they want quality from the provider they use. There are some cases where your health insurance may contract directly with a specific ambulance provider and using another provider could be more costly. Medicare beneficiaries do not require prior authorization to be transported by a specific ambulance service.
There is a perception in the public that ambulance services are all the same. This is simply not true. A savvy consumer should be aware that the quality of care they receive at the time of their transport could impact their recovery. Ambulances may look alike on the outside, but on the inside, a lot can change in regard to quality. Equipment may be different, employees may be different, and, overall organizational quality may be different. All of these things may impact the quality of care you receive.
Always remember you have a choice, and ask your emergency medical services provider at least these two important questions:
- Are they accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services?
- Do they have an active quality improvement program?
