Securing EMS Resources

Overview

The financing of rural EMS is a problem because of the relatively low volume of calls in relationship to the essential overhead costs of full-time preparedness. In addition, the traditional reliance on volunteer personnel in many areas, with little or no infrastructure for collecting fees or maintaining the business functions, contributes to the challenge. Payment for EMS by Medicare fluctuates widely cross the country, but rural receive the lowest reimbursement. This section focuses on how to develop sustainable funding streams from diverse sources, billing strategies, management of resources, facilities, and equipment to ensure a solid financial foundation to support EMS in a rural community.

EMS System Funding

Federal Resources
State & Local Resources
Foundations & Private Resources

Resource Management

Technical Assistance

Third-Party Reimbursement

Medicare Fee Schedule

Facilities & Equipment

Communications Equipment