March 25, 2020 Issue, Page 9 of 10

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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Page 9 SAFETY IN THE SKY What to know about emergency air ambulance transportation FAMILY FEATURES cannot be denied access to air transport based or many types of medical emergencies, on ability to pay. In fact, under the Emergency time is a critical factor. The faster a patient receives critical care, the greater the chances for a positive outcome, including a full recovery. However, for people Medical Treatment and Labor Act, air ambulances are required to deploy (barring severe weather, ‘maintenance issues or actively transporting another patient) and agree to take flights without UNDERSTANDING HOW living in remote areas and those who enjoy spending leisure time off the beaten path, time any knowledge ofthe patient's ability to pay. Any type of insurance that may cover emergency AIR MEDICAL SERVICES ARE USED and help aren’t always readily available. air medical transport services, including health, Emergency air medical services can play auto, medical and liability, may be a source of a vital role in transporting patients who have payment, Additionally, for those covered through experienced a medical episode such as a stroke, Medicare Part B, a co-pay and deductible may be heart attack, burn- or trauma-related accidentall a patient is responsible for paying. THE SEVERITY OF THE PATIENT'S: including motor vehicle accidents or workplace However, insurance companies deny payment CONDITION NECESSITATES: injuries. In these severe circumstances, patients can benefit from emergency air medical services’ for roughly 60% of these emergency transports, significantly reduced transport times, specialized claiming they are medically unnecessary. Some medical training and advanced equipment. air medical service providers, like Global Medical Response, employ a staff of highly : eters mes A 8 oo ER With the increased closure of rural hospitals, these transports can help patients receive the trained Patient Advocates that work with care they need. Understanding how emergency patients to appeal these denials on their behalf. air medical services work can provide an They work tirelessly to make sure insurance advantage if a crisis requiring specialized companies fulfill their responsibility to pay transportation is experienced, so patients are not left with unexpected bills The Decision to Use an Emergency because of surprise insurance denials, even if it takes months or years to resolve a denied claim. v Air Ambulance Emergency air ambulances are resources Ultimately, 90% of those denials are overturned after numerous appeals. WHO MAKES THE CALL? Trauma often includes typically reserved for times when a patient is In the event insurance still will not pay facinga life-, limb- or eyesight-threatening the claim in full or the patient doesn’t have ‘emergency and it is in the person’s best interest insurance of any kind, the air medical service to receive expedited medical care. A qualified provider will work with the patient to find a situation typically involves the risk of serious solution that meets his or her unique financial or permanent damage to a patient's (or unborn needs to resolve any remaining balance, Patient transport can only child’s) health or bodily function. bbe declined tora limited If the medical situation meets any of these Emergency Air Ambulance ‘number of teasons, including: criteria and the 911 dispatcher determines the Memberships Bad weather maniesanc issues pts patient would benefit from emergency ground or ‘A membership with an emergency air ambulance agronching manera time ot etyoot air medical transport, he or she may proactively aA ragaations, cro engage in dispatch an air ambulance along with a ground provider or group of providers, like AirMedCare amathertaasporttthe sane ire ambulance. Similarly, when assessing a patient Network, guarantees no out-of-pocket costs if ‘common who is critically ill or injured, a first responder transported by the provider covered under a or other authorized care professional on the membership program. Memberships typically scene will determine the closest and fastest require a minimal monthly or annual fee. “options for getting to advanced medical care. In some instances, corporations purchase If the condition is particularly serious, air memberships to cover employees who work in transportation may be the most viable option. remote areas or drive through large swaths of [-— WHAT TYPE OF CALL IS IT? —— In other situations, physicians or authorized rural America. health care professionals operating under strict Other benefits are often unique to the protocols may make the decision to request an individual providers and can include member- emergency air transport. An example would be ships that are valid across a provider's full INTERFACILITY SCENE-BASED TRANSPORTS when a patient urgently needs a higher level network, allowing for coverage while traveling. ofcare and is transported from a community hospital to a larger, better equipped facility In addition, household memberships are available There ts nothing routine about Whon an ait ambulance such as a trauma center. In fact, these types of to cover people under one roof as well as under- these calls Needs to land at an acchdent interfacility transfers of some of the sickest or ‘graduate students. Becoming a member is also Me, sacl25 4 highwayot most gravely ill patients make up the majority of ‘a way to support the health care needs of local ‘emergency air ambulance transports. Payment Options and ‘communities since it helps providers operate in tural areas where having a quick response time to critical medical situations can save lives. OR oad, to pick ap 2 patient 2 Insurance Denials Find more information about emergency air and Emergency air medical service payments can ‘ground transportation services and membership vary a great deal. In severe situations, patients programs at globalmedicalresponse.com. | | — WHICH COMPANY GETS CALLED? —~ IF MORE THAN ONE AIR MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDER IS AVAILABLE: | PROXIMITY RELIABILITY THECLOSEST AIRCRAFT ‘Are thelr estimated flight times accurate? Do the SHOULD BE CALLED personnel work efficient th the agency in the transition of patientcé VISIT G MEDICALRES! E.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. aXe Global Medical s@ Response