QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Episode #159: 10 Questions | 30 Minutes - Mercy Flight Central, Canandaigua, New York

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Mercy Flight Central based in Canandaigua, New York. Tune in as we pose our 10Qs to Mercy Flight Central's Jeff Bartkoski, President and CEO and Erin Reese, Program Director, on multiple topics relating to their unique 501(c3) flight program.  Mercy Flight Central was founded as a non-profit in 1992 to provide air medical services to New York State residents and beyond. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 15,000 patients and grown to approximately 70 employees. MFC’s three base locations serve the regions of the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Mohawk Valley, including service to the Lower Adirondacks.  We had a great time speaking with Jeff and Erin and received some great adjunct questions along the way from those who attended the LIVE broadcast.  As an added bonus, don't miss out hearing about new additions to their flight program and as well as some interesting facts about NASCAR and Car #66 - Quite the story!  Folks, you're going to enjoy this 10Q presented by two individuals who are deeply dedicated to serving their respective communities with exemplary air medical service.  Join us!Your Hosts:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

Episode #158: Yet Another Piece of the Big HRSA CARES Act Puzzle Comes Together

 
Late in the workday on Friday, June 11, 2021, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released revised reporting requirements along with extended expenditure deadlines for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund stimulus.  We offer a quick breakdown and alert you to the opening of the reporting portal on July 1st.  It's another piece of that big HRSA puzzle that you have to figure out - we'll help.  Take a listen...
 Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey
 
 

Episode #157: 10 Questions | 30 Minutes - Longwood Fire Company, Kennett Square, PA

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Longwood Fire Company from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  Joining us is Asst. Chief of EMS, Matt Eick.  Matt provides some interesting insight into how his department is remaining active and prosperous during these challenging times as we emerge from this pandemic.  Matt relates information on many different fronts including community outreach, retaining quality providers and more.  Join in for this 10Q episode as you won't be disappointed in hearing from about this progressive organization in Eastern Pennsylvania.  
 Your Host:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

Episode #156: The Matrix Called COVID - Ever Have That Feeling Where You're Unsure If You're Awake or Dreaming?

 
Somehow the last 15 months has felt like we’ve been living the real-life version of the movie The Matrix.  We share our musings of this COVID-19 public health emergency and what we have learned so-far looking back into our fluid rear-view mirror.  What’s next?  Give a listen!
 Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey
 
 

Episode #155: Celebrating Our Profession - National EMS Week 2021

 
EMS Week is a time to thank the EMS workforce for their service and sacrifices. It’s also serves as an opportunity for EMS raise public awareness about the role they play in their respective communities.  QMC extends their heartfelt thanks to those EMS providers who have dedicated themselves to serving those who are suddenly stricken ill or injured.  We convey our deepest thanks and gratitude through this short podcast.  
 Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey
 
 

Episode #154: A TIP from our Friends at CMS - The CMS Treatment in Place (TIP) Waiver Figured Out

 
A new waiver was issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for ground ambulance services providing treatment in place as part of a COVID-19 protocol. 
Under authority provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the new policy waives any requirements that an ambulance service must include the transport of an individual to receive Medicare payment. Instead, Medicare payment will be made for ground ambulance services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.  Join us as we figure out what this is and just as important, what this is NOT.  
 Presenters:  Gary Harvat, Chuck Humphrey
 
 

Episode #153: New Innovations In Prehospital Management of the Opioid Epidemic (Presented by Cooper University Health Care EMS)

 
The opioid epidemic continues to be a considerable health crisis in the United States. Current evidence supports Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) as the most effective treatment. Our friends at Cooper EMS in New Jersey created a new treatment paradigm, in partnership with Cooper University Health Care’s Addiction Medicine Department, utilizing front line paramedic units to administer buprenorphine post Naloxone administration and provide a next day appointment in an outpatient clinic. Often, EMS is the only healthcare provider the OUD population will interact and this program affords access to OUD treatment as well as protection from overdosing prior to the scheduled appointment, i.e., “Bridging.” Cooper is the first EMS agency in the United States to provide MOUD in the prehospital setting at the point of overdose. In addition, Cooper EMS has documented an overall improvement in provider compassion fatigue. Cooper EMS staff are more engaged in the overall care of this population as opposed to simply administering Naloxone day after day.  Join us as the clinical team from Cooper EMS explains this study, the results, and the overall success of this innovative program.
 Presenters:  Gary Harvat, Chuck Humphrey and the EMS Leadership Team from Cooper University Health Care EMS
 
 
 

Episode #152: Look for the Bare Necessities - The Certificate of Medical Necessity

 
All non-emergency ambulance transports billed to Medicare, some Medicaid and commercial insurance programs require a supporting document that we have begun to call the Certificate of Medical Necessity.  In this episode of the QMC EMS Board and Collar podcast, we’ll help unravel the mystery that surrounds the two types of documents, the PCS and the N-PCS.  Plus, we’ll take some time to talk about the purpose of these documents and who must sign them pertaining to the reason surrounding the transport. 
 Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey