EMS Provider Determinations of Necessity for Transport and Reimbursement for EMS Response, Medical Care, and Transport: Combined Resource Document for the National Association of EMS Physicians Position Statements

Abstract

With increasing demands for emergency medical services (EMS), many EMS jurisdictions are utilizing EMS provider-initiated nontransport policies as a method to offload potentially nonemergent patients from the EMS system. EMS provider determination of medical necessity, resulting in nontransport of patients, has the potential to avert unnecessary emergency department visits. However, EMS systems that utilize these policies must have additional education for the providers, a quality improvement process, and active physician oversight. In addition, EMS provider determination of nontransport for a specific situation should be supported by evidence in the peer-reviewed literature that the practice is safe. Further, EMS systems that do not utilize these programs should not be financially penalized. Payment for EMS services should be based on the prudent layperson standard. EMS systems that do utilize nontransport policies should be appropriately reimbursed, as this represents potential cost savings to the health care system.

Key words: :

• emergency medical technicians
• paramedics
• transportation of patients
• determination of medical needs
• health services misuse
• emergency medical services
• reimbursement