QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Dragon Tamer 101: Defining Medicare

I truly wish I had a nickel for every time I uttered the word "Medicare."  Whether we like it or not, Medicare drives the healthcare industry.  As goes Medicare, so goes the other payers and so goes healthcare in the new millennium.  
From an EMS standpoint, the word association game for Medicare includes terms and phrases like under-funding, largest portion of a community's payer mix and more.  As time moves forward, we will have to work with groups like the American Ambulance Association to ensure our collective EMS voice is heard by CMS.  Otherwise, we could go from bad to worse in the years ahead. 
Before you plan on doing battle, you must have a baseline understanding of this dragon we call Medicare. In this Board & Collar episode, we will review and further define, Medicare. Remember, knowledge is power.     
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

It's Summer...What, It's Flu Season Already?

Well finally, Summer has arrived.  Warmer weather, swimming pools and outdoor fun.  Why, with all this beautiful weather are we seeing patients with the flu?  Very strange but it's happening across the country.  Are you ready to care for these patients and what portion of this patient population truly need to go via ambulance to a healthcare facility?  Well worth a "podversation" on this topic in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.   
 
 Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Are We There Yet, Dad? - ET3 Is Headed Your Way

Where we goin' and what time we gonna get there?  The Emergency, Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) Model is coming and it's important to know some facts behind it all as well as what's in store for the road ahead.  The process is moving and whether you are interested in being one of the initial applicants or just wish to watch this process unfold from the sidelines, it's important to have a baseline understanding before you make a determination, take a listen to this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.     
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Pigskin Problems: Documenting Sports Injuries - Football Season is Underway

With the infamous words of Hank Williams, Jr., echoing in my ears, "Are You Ready for Some Football," the 2019-20 football season is underway.  Professional teams (my Steelers - sorry, Eagle, Giant, Cowboy, etc. fans), college teams and high school teams have reported to training camp and are preparing for another year on the gridiron.  As EMS providers, we get to see all types of injuries coming from this sport including muscle, bone and the ever-concerning, head injury.  It is important how, you not only treat these patients but also how you document the patient profile and the care you rendered.  We will examine this a bit closer in this episode of The QMC Board & Collar.    
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Fire Down Below: Evaluating Belly Pain

Not too often do you hear a podcast dedicated to, of all things, belly pain.   Hey, what the heck, let's give it a go and see if we can relate a few helpful points on evaluating, assessing and documenting this most common chief complaint. This, and more on The QMC Board & Collar.  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
 
   

I Guarantee It!

So, are you aware of the implications and uses for a guarantor when the patient is unable to care/sign for themselves? Do you know your role in interacting with a guarantor and better yet, does the guarantor of an understanding of his/her role prior to your arrival.  Today, we explore the role of the guarantor in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Forgive Them, For They Know Not, the 'Bulance Business

It is no longer common for Medicare subscribers to simply review their Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and not question charges.  The public is becoming smarter and smarter about the inner-workings of today's healthcare and as a result, scrutinize every charge. This edition of The QMC Board & Collar examines the explanation you and/or your organization must put forth when a Medicare or, for that matter, any healthcare consumer (Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, Self-Pay) questions their charges.  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Ten Questions | 30 Minutes (10Q30) EMS Profile - LifeMed Alaska, Anchorage AK

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring the leadership team from LifeMed Alaska (LMAK), based in Anchorage.  Tune in to hear their take on how LifeMed leadership is addressing many issues in their service area which are also affecting EMS nationwide. 
Gain an understanding of the unique challenges they face working in such a large geographic area; from weather issues to multiple leg transports including moving patients from point A to Point B via some unique means including hovercraft and even dog sled.   You will find this interesting format is time well spent in learning how this organization's leaders must adapt and address many key matters to maintain, sustain and grow their operation.  
 Your Host:  Gary Harvat