Ambulance rides and emergency-room visits can cost thousands of dollars.
Until recently, EMS providers had to transport a patient to get reimbursed through Medicaid. But there's a new state program designed to help offset the cost to ambulance services when they decide an ER visit is not what's best for a patient.
Arizona recently launched the Treat and Refer Recognition Program. It's designed to help providers recoup some costs when an ambulance ride isn’t necessary, and, at the same time, keep costs low for the state’s Medicaid agency, said Beth Kohler, deputy director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS.
“This program provides high-quality treatment onsite and referral to an appropriate source of care such as a primary-care physician, an urgent care or a behavioral health provider,” Kohler said.
About 1.9 million Arizonans are on Medicaid. The Treat and Refer Recognition Program started about a month ago. One agency has already signed up, and Kohler said more are interested.
The Surprise Fire-Medical Department may implement the program as soon as January, Battalion Chief Jesus Rivera said.
“The treat and refer program really aligns with the Triple Aim, which is improving patient experience of care, includes quality and satisfaction, improves the health of populations, and reduces the per capita cost of health care,” Rivera said.
