TFRD Procedures & Guides

_{Last Modified: 09/27/2024 10:08}

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Purpose

As the demand for EMS service has increased each year, the need for TFRD Medic Units and private ambulances to be available to transport patients has been increasingly compromised. Therefore, it has become vital that the TFRD conserve its resources to better serve the citizens of Toledo and the general public during emergencies. To accomplish this, TFRD has determined that patients requiring medically necessary treatment shall be transported to the nearest appropriate facility. The goal is for TFRD Medic Units to transport medically emergent patients to the appropriate facility where definitive stabilizing care can be rendered in a timelier manner. To address this issue, the following should be used as the guidelines when offering BLS transport options to the public.

Finally, this policy will drastically reduce the point of pickup (POP) to hospital time and provide better care to the public. Moreover, this policy complies with the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Rules and Lucas County Life Squad’s policy regarding ambulance transportation and the determination of appropriate transport destination.

Definitions

It is always the mission of TFRD to assist medically emergent patients by getting them to the most appropriate medical facility in as little time as possible. Indeed, if it is determined that the patient’s illness or injury is so serious that it requires that they be transported to the hospital via ambulance, then it is in the patient’s best interest to be transported to the nearest appropriate facility to be stabilized and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. This policy is more appropriate for the TFRD to accomplish its mission. Nearest Hospital as determined by CAD.

Policy/Procedure

1. If it is confirmed that the patient is insured through either MEDICAID or MEDICARE; TFRD Medic units are required to transport the patient to the nearest, appropriate hospital to ensure the patient will receive definitive, stabilizing care as soon as possible. (See, MBPM Rule 10.3.3) However, if a patient requires specialized care that is not available at the nearest hospital, then the patient shall be transported to the nearest hospital offer that specialized care (i.e. Labor and Delivery, cancer treatments, complications with a surgery, etc.).

2. If it is confirmed that the patient is insured by a private insurance carrier; TFRD Medic units shall transport the patient to the nearest, IN-NETWORK, hospital. That is to say, if the patient’s insurance will only allow that patient to be treated at a particular hospital system (i.e. Mercy or ProMedica) then the patient will be offered transport to the nearest facility within their NETWORK.

3. If a patient does not provide any insurance information; TFRD Medic units are required to transport the patient to the nearest, appropriate hospital to ensure the patient will receive definitive, stabilizing care as soon as possible.

4. In the event that a patient insists on being transported to a hospital that is not the nearest appropriate facility, it shall be explained to them that to maintain their health and safety, we require that they be transported to the nearest hospital. Furthermore, it is likely they will be responsible for the costs because their insurance company will not cover the transportation costs to a facility that is not the closest. If the patient insists, capture an AMA for transport to a facility that is not the nearest to their current location.

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