QMC EMS | Board & Collar

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
 
     

Be Part of the Race Without Running: Politics and EMS

The candidates are already lining up for the 2020 election for our nation's highest office as well as local government posts.  Sometimes it just gets too overwhelming with commercials, radio spots, town hall discussions and even talk around the dinner table with the fam.  As much as it taxes one's senses, you can use this to your advantage to talk with, and poll the candidates in your own backyard and educate them on the needs, struggles and value-added your EMS organization brings to the community. We will explore your options for making an impact statement to those running in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

March of the Detractors: "But, We've Always Done it That Way"

Do you have people within your organization whose favorite quote is "But, we've always done it that way?"  If you don't, consider your organization lucky with a group of forward-thinkers.  However, it's  probably safe to say that every organization has one or two detractors that serve as obstacles keeping you from moving forward with new organizational approaches and implementing innovative ideas. 
The detractors are those who pull the others down while leadership plays a tug-of-war game to move the organization forward.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar, we'll take a closer look at the naysayers and the importance behind the quote that should be your organizational anthem..."The smallest steps lead to the biggest change."
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

It Don't Come Easy....EMS Compliance Isn't Easy

In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we explore the importance behind your organization remaining compliant in every aspect of its day-to-day operation.  In 1973, Ringo Starr had a hit song entitled "It Don't Come Easy."  I am certain his motivation for this tune was EMS Compliance, don't you think?  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

The Road to the EMS Future - Are You On It?

Our world both inside and outside of EMS moves quickly.  Probably, more quickly than we actually realize.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar provides insight into how technology and analytics is affecting us today and how it will in the future as well.  These things, along with how we manage as leaders will serve as an important component for the future of your organization.  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat
 
   

Think Before You Speak - How Not to Respond to THAT Question

Every morning on my way into work, I always try to remind myself to please Gary,  engage brain before mouth on all things the day may bring.  Sometimes, I am really great at this and other times, I fail miserably.  When you're in a patient's presence this is even more paramount.  While we may think, amidst their pain and suffering, our patient may not recall things stated to them or the responses we've made to their questions.  However, they do, and we need to be cognizant of this every time we have a patient in our care. 
This is especially true when they ask THAT big question enroute to the hospital... "How much is this going to cost me?" Be smart about your response and don't get caught in the middle while trying to make your patient feel better through your offered words.  It's all in the presentation and the response to this frequent question should be well-planned. Let's explore this a bit more in this session of The QMC Board & Collar.
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by: G. Harvat
 
   

Questionable Practices: Are We All Singing from the Same Sheet of Music?

While the matter of questionable billing practices has not made the evening news in some time (thank goodness!), it's good to re-visit the subject matter just as a simple checkpoint to make sure we are all singing from the same sheet of music.  We need to remind ourselves the practices by a few that led to EMS on the whole being placed on the OIG radar screen.  While 99.9% of EMS organizations operate and practice a compliant operation, we must always be knowledge of the problems that led a select few to fall short and create challenges for all that do comply.  
Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat