   Why is it that this profession has now existed for multiple decades and the public still refers to us as good ole "Ambulance Drivers?"  Is it really the public's fault, the media or could it be our fault - those of us who work in the EMS industry?  No, can't be, can't be our fault.  Well, may be it is and our charge is to do better. We will explore this topic further in this edition of the QMC EMS | Board & Collar.    Presenter:  Gary Harvat    

EMS | Board & Collar

Episode #163: Nothing more than an Ambulance Driver...Why?

   Here we are in 2021 and EMS still remain, in some respect, just the folks who are "the ambulance drivers."  Has this title been one that we have self-invoked?  Some would argue that EMS will never be fully recognized with fire and police even after nearly 5 decades of providing a higher level of  care than what preceded us in the 1950s or 1960s.      In this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast, we explore this topic and dissect if we are truly a profession.  While all of us who serve in the trenches surely want this, are we educating our community and those around us to view us as professionals?  I don't know, but here's some food for thought.  We are?  Are we not?    Presenter:  Gary Harvat    

Episode #162: We Are?...Are We Not?

Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring Mitchell Fire Department from Mitchell, South Dakota  Joining us is Fire and EMS Chief, Marius Laursen.  The QMC guys had a great time speaking with Chief Laursen and he didn't disappoint with his knowledge, wit and uncanny ability to field some of our most offbeat questions.  This is a 10Q that is worthy of high marks.  Don't miss out, download this one today.  Your Host:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

Episode #161: 10 Questions | 30 Minutes: Mitchell Fire Department, Mitchell, South Dakota

   “Transported to a higher level of care.”  It’s a phrase EMS providers use often.  However, this little  phrase can cause your billing office some angst and headaches. Are you attune to documenting this in your electronic patient care report (ePCR)?  Have you covered all the necessary basis to support medical necessity...yes, no, maybe? In this episode of the QMC EMS Board & Collar podcast, QMC Compliance Team members Katie Harrison and Chuck Humphrey unpack how to properly document using the phrase with just a little extra detail.  If you're headed to higher ground or a higher level of care, get there with these great tips from our team.    Presenters:  Chuck Humphrey and Katie Harrison    

Episode #160: Take Me to Higher Ground - The Ongoing EMS Challenge of Transporting to a Higher Level of Care

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

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

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

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

   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 #155: Celebrating Our Profession - National EMS Week 2021

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

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

   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      

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

 Welcome to the May 2021 edition of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  We've got a great show with lots of laughs and great information to convey on topics affecting Emergency Medical Services across the country.  During this episode, we take a close look at the CMS Treatment in Place and we also have some laughs with the EMS lookback and of course, no show would be complete without some open banter and jabs between these three EMS dinosaurs.  Download this episode, hold onto the wheel and get ready for another EM2 adventure with the guys.  Happy National EMS Week folks.  We're glad you're here!     Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey, Ed Marasco and Gary Harvat 

Episode #151: Excuse My Medic Pod Magazine (May 7, 2021)

 Welcome to QMC's 10Q30 EMS Leadership profile.  This month, we are featuring the McGregor EMS from Durham, New Hampshire. Tune in to hear how their leadership team is bringing innovation into their operation and a unique approach to community outreach. You will find their responses to each of our questions interesting and in many cases, thought-provoking as to how they function within their community as well as within a major a university setting.  We've got 3 great leaders from McGregor joining us providing excellent insight into their operation.  Be sure to check out this 10Q.  Our thanks to the McGregor Team and hey, be SAFE out there!    Your Host:  Gary Harvat and Chuck Humphrey

10 Questions | 30 Minutes: McGregor EMS - New Hampshire

   Last week, the United States Congress passed the American Rescue Plan legislation.  This $1.9 trillion package has some potential game-changing implications for the ambulance industry.  Check out what this legislation entails (or doesn't entail) and how it may affect your organization during the remaining days of the pandemic.    Presenter:  Chuck Humphrey and Gary Harvat      

Episode #149: For Amber Waves of Grain - The American Rescue Plan EMS Overview

The EMS Board and Collar Podcast Series for EMS Professionals is sponsored by Quick Med Claims, a national leader in revenue cycle management. This uniquely developed pod-platform provides specialized programs for our listeners with thought-provoking presentations including EMS Keynote, 10Q30 EMS Leadership interviews and revival of the acclaimed EMS pod-magazine, Excuse My Medic with opinionated discussions, light-hearted moments and some great EMS “war” stories along the way.

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EMS | Board & Collar

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