Well yes and no.
We dont charge for minor stuff like that. We also do not charge if we do not take you to the ER. Some services do charge for no transport call. $50 is typical. This helps weed out the abusers. If we respond and treat you for low blood sugar and when you wake up and decide not to go, then you get charged. Its not as much as a transport bill but its still a few hundred $$. You fall and need help up, its free.
If we repond on a full arrest, no pulse and/or breathing, and we work you and transport you to the ER and you die, medicare will not pay. If we work you and then call it in the field, medicare pays.
Another kicker is if we have a bad wreck and need a chopper we cannot charge. Only the chopper medics can charge. Even tho we do all the work, which is typical, and all they do is fly 30 miles, we get no rembursment.
If we pick someone up and transport them to the ER and they are not medically neccasary, they will get stuck with the bill. We have them sign another form informing them of this. You wont believe the folks that 'need' a ride. Some will be transported, go to the ER and sign right out and go to their doctor. They just made a excuse to get near their doctor for their appointment. We got to be careful what we say cause thse low lifes are the ones that get us in trouble.
Its not $700 for the band aid, its for the service. You cannot charge for a single item. You can be transported and recieve no item and will be charged the same amount as a person we used alot of items on.
Its not the medics fault, its medicare, who sets the standards on billing.
