QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Stop the Watch: The Importance of Recording Accurate Times on Your PCR

Writing well-documented patient care narratives is extremely important but chronological entry of events within the report is also key for many reasons.  One of the largest problems with reports is incorrect entry of times to include time of event to time of medication introduction.  Accurate time entry is paramount in every patient care report and providers need to pay attention to ensure that all chronological entries are correct.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar takes a closer look at time and the importance of both a good narrative which denotes accurate event times. 
 
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   
 
 

Walk This Way (great song) but Does the Walk Satisfy Medical Necessity?

Well, we've all had them...Those patients who are stricken seriously ill that, for one reason or another, want to ambulate on their own volition to the ambulance.  Not uncommon in our industry but how does CMS and all the other payers feel about patients who walk this way?  Medical necessity is fairly well-defined and we are all forced to comply.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar looks closing at those who walk (or crawl) and how payers view them (dub in Steven Tyler and the hit tune from  Aerosmith now).
 
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   
 
 

Movies, Emoticons and Storytellers: Things to Avoid When Writing Your PCR

How many times have you heard the horror stories about those individuals behind in finishing their patient care reports (PCRs)?  Typically, these individuals are not behind by one or two but sometimes, ten, twenty or even more.  Ugh.  How can anyone recall the patient interaction from ten days prior?  That's absolutely impossible (sorry for the editorial comment). 
While most states have rules for timely completion, the question remains as to how well this is policed and to be honest, why must something as important as report writing be put on the back burner?  Yes, I know, your organization runs call after call but timely report writing is part of the patient care process and it is your responsibility to get them completed.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we'll take a quick look at how to avoid life's simple distractions that will hopefully, help you get those PCRs completed on time.
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

The Drama Behind Documenting Trauma

Multiple trauma patients challenge our professional senses when carrying out the delivered care in the field.  We are called to use all of our talents and training to ensure a positive outcome for each patient.  For many reasons, this doesn't always come easy. 
Part of the pre-hospital care plan is to ensure that all we did for the patient(s) is well-documented for both the clinical staff at the trauma center for ongoing care as well as to make sure we protect ourselves long after the call has ended.  Clear, concise documentation is key and must paint a true picture of these challenging patient types.  This episode of The QMC Board & Collar looks at the drama behind the trauma patient and making sure you covered every aspect of the care you delivered in the patient care report (PCR).   
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

All the Wrong Reasons: Three Reasons Your Billing Office Can't Bill your EMS Incident

It's one thing to write your PCR and have it out of the way so you can move onto documenting your next patient care report.  However, can your front office do the billing for every report you write?  In many cases, there are 3 reasons why even some of the best written reports don't contain the proper elements to process your PCR to payers and ultimately have your organization paid for services rendered.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar, we explore the primary reasons your billing office may not be able to process your PCR for payment.  
   
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

All I Need is the Air that I Breathe: The Trouble with Trouble Breathing

Unless you live under that pre-verbial EMS rock, you have probably have had more than one response for breathing problems.  These calls come in all shapes and sizes...mild, moderate and life-threatening severe.  If you have been in the business for any length of time, you've probably experienced multiples of each.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar we look at the need for clear and concise documentation of these patients given how different each can be while having the same chief complaint. Without documenting these cases well, one could have trouble with trouble breathing calls.    
   
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Technology: Is it Working for Your Organization?

Efficient processing of patient care reports (PCRs) are paramount to ensure reimbursement and a sound cash flow for your organization.  Is your processing system/billing office current with today's technology to always be in step with payers?  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar takes a look at technology, your billing office and efficient processing of claims.
   
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Managing the Perfect Storm: The Aftermath of Collecting Dollars for Services Provided During Catastrophic Conditions

Here in the Northeastern US we have had a very wet Summer with torrential rains and flooding in areas that typically, never flood.  With these rising waters comes the need to manage multiple patients over a very short period of time.  Evacuations, relocations and caring for those who typically cannot care well for themselves are all part of the chaos that is created when flooding occurs.  In addition, we have illnesses and injuries specific to the catastrophic conditions that further complicate the job we do.  This session looks at the aftermath of dealing with collecting dollars for emergent services rendered when heavy storms, flash flooding and overall, inclement weather hits your town.    
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat