QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Episode #120: Difficult Conversations About Uncomfortable Topics

EMS Leadership is challenged with many issues these days.  Reimbursement, succession planning, COVID-19 and infectious diseases and of course, the big one...managing employees.  Many EMS organizations are small in number and it is not uncommon for strong bonds of friendship to form between those in charge and those who work as a line medic.  So, how do you handle when it comes time to correct a past partner of 7 years and correct a work pattern that is not consistent with organizational policy?  Well, it's time for a difficult conversation about a specific uncomfortable topic.  It may seem easier to turn your head and look the other way but in your heart, you know that's not in the best interest of the organization - not to mention your professional status either. 
On this edition of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar we explore having those difficult conversations with employees and how to go about making the conversation have impact without pushing a great employee who just needs some tweaking out the ole door.  Join Sean Kukauskus, Ambulance Director from Spaulding Rehabilitation Network in Boston, Massachusetts as he provides some insight on this very uncomfortable topic.  
Presented by:  S. KakauskusWritten by:  S. KakauskusModerated by:  G. Harvat
 
   
 
 

Episode #119: Cost Data Collection - The Workin' Man - Jobs and Compensation - Section 7

 
 
We continue out series of podcasts focused on “Peeling Back the Layers of the Cost Data Collection Instrument” by taking a look at Section 7, the Jobs and Compensation Section.  How is your team compensated and do they have shared responsibilities?  There is much to consider and report here and it is imperative that you have this section computed well.  Lots of questions and hopefully, we will provide the answers.  We explain in detail in this edition of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar.
 Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: C. Humphrey
 
   
 
 

Episode #118: HIPAA Update - Are You Gambling with Your Organization's Financial Well-Being?

 
 
For the first time, an emergency medical service was fined for a HIPAA Breach.  A breach can be a financially-devastating occurrence.  In this Keynote Presentation of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar,  we explore HIPAA a bit further and ask the question, "Are You Gambling with Your Organization's Financial Well-Being?"  This informative and enlightening presentation is presented by Mary Craig, QMC's Chief Compliance Officer.  Mary has a deep and storied background in Compliance and regulatory affairs.  Her presentation is a must-listen given these recent occurrences in our EMS industry.  
Written by:  Mary CraigPresented by: Mary Craig
Moderator:  Gary Harvat
 
   
 
 

Episode #117: Excuse My Medic Pod Magazine (February 14, 2020)

Welcome to the February 2020 edition of Excuse My Medic.  On today's show we get an updated look at Surprise Ambulance Billing and the surrounding legislative issues currently under consideration in Washington.   Be sure to listen in on some great Positive EMS News, a couple zany EMS stories and laughs from the offbeat and the EMS Word of the Day.  Don't miss out on this very interesting and informative episode with Chuck, Ed and Gary.  
 Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat
 
     

Episode #116: The Cost Data Collection Instrument - It's Not the Saxophone but It's A Key Member of the Cost Data Collection Band

 
 
We continue out series of podcasts focused on “Peeling Back the Layers of the Cost Data Collection” by taking a look at the Cost Data Collection Instrument.  This is the key document that will be used for collecting your data and enabling you to submit your information to CMS when the time comes.  We cover much ground in little time so be sure to tune in to this edition of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar for a great instrumental performance.  
 Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: C. Humphrey and Gary Harvat
 
   
 
 

Episode #115: Service Above Self - Cost Data Collection Section #6 Service Mix Section

 
 
We continue out series of podcasts focused on “Peeling Back the Layers of the Cost Data Collection Instrument” by taking a look at Section 6, the Service Mix Section.  What percentage of your ground ambulance responses are emergency versus non-emergency?  What is an ALS Level 2 versus an ALS Level 1?  Does your service ever transport critically ill or injured patients from one facility to another with additional higher-trained personnel onboard the ambulance?  These questions and more will be critical to determining the answers for this section.  We explain in detail in this edition of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar.
 Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: C. Humphrey
 
   
 
 

Episode #114: 10 Questions | 30 Minutes: Trinidad Ambulance District, Trinidad, Colorado

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring the The Trinidad Ambulance District from Trinidad, Colorado. Tune in to hear how leadership from this great organization serving rural Colorado responds to our ten questions in thirty minutes.  You will find their responses to each of our questions interesting and in many cases, thought-provoking.  This is a great 10Q so take a moment to join in and hear from one of the Centennial State's great emergency medical service providers.  
 
 
 Your Host:  Gary Harvat
 
     

Episode #113: Lions, Tigers & Bears AKA Standbys, Intercepts and Instruments - More On Cost Data Collection

 
 
When reporting Service Volume in the Ground Ambulance Cost Data Collection instrument, how will you report stand-by incidents and intercepts?  How do your responses into primary and secondary response areas that you reported in Section 3, tie together into the data your report in Section 5.  And…what if your primary area’s zip code is exactly the same as your secondary response area’s zip code?  How are you going to handle that one?  We have some guidance for you as we complete our discussion about this section in this edition of the QMC EMS|Board & Collar.
 Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: C. Humphrey