DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Fire Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
This ordinance adjusts the Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fee structure by creating two additional fees. This adjustment will allow the department to charge the Medicare allowable fee for patients that utilize the telemedicine or treatment in place option of the ET3 program.
SUMMARY:
The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) will be implementing the ET3 program that has been offered by the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). In the program exists an optional program for patients to utilize the treatment in place alternative which will connect them to a physician from the SAFD Office of the Medical Director using telemedicine services. This fee has been approved for payment by CMS, so long as the patient meets the criteria set forth in the ET3 participant agreement. On December 10, 2020, City Council approved ordinance 2020-12-10-0876 which allows SAFD to participate in the ET3 program. This item for council approval will now establish a new "origination fee" that will allow us to bill for the telemedicine or treatment in place service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 27, 2020 the San Antonio Fire Department was selected, after participating in an extensive application process, to participate in the CMS ET3 program. The intent of the program is to offer Medicare Fee for Service (FFS) beneficiaries extended services in an effort to match the patient with the correct level of care. The ET3 model allows the Fire Department to transport less emergent patients to urgent care centers versus the hospital emergency department. It also allows for the Fire Department to originate a telemedicine visit for those patients that need medications or a higher level of medical advice, but do not necessitate treatment in a hospital. This program would allow the department to be compensated for these services.
The de...
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