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Saturday, May 10, 2014

Ambulance Rate To Raise & "Consult A Doctor Program"

Bobbie Bicknell Coray
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  May 7, 2014.  Kim Wilson, County Assessor, said that in other areas an ambulance can cost as much as $865, but Rich County charges only $300 for basic fee.   Then they are billed separately for equipment used and supplies.  It is the recommendation of the  Rich County EMT Board that the charge should be $500 with $25 per mile with supplies being included in that rate which will make is more standard for insurance payment since some insurance companies will not pay for supplies used.  Standby rates at events like rodeos and races should be raised from $100 to $200 an hour.  County and school functions will be continue to be served for free .  This will be effective June 1.
There are 25 EMT volunteers and they are being stretched with all of the activities at which they are required to support.
In other medical matters, Jeff Kelsey and Jed Cowan  of Intermountain Health, “Consult a Doctor Program,” explained a unique solution which will keep in clinic doctor visits down and save county employees the co-pay.  This program, for $6 a month per person or family, allows people to call and speak to a board certified doctors about routine sicknesses such as colds and sore throats.  The doctor will ask questions and can even do the visit by video link.  These doctors are allowed then to call in a prescription excepting narcotics.  There is no co-pay so the people don’t have to pay out of pocket.  It saves the insurance company because people don’t go to the doctor’s office or the ER.  Right now the county deductible is $500 per family.  With this plan employees and their families get the medical attention they need without going to the ER.  Ninety-two percent of people who call are  able to get care.  It is available 24/7 and can be used as many times as needed.  Iron County School district is using it, as is  Emery county.  It is good for rural areas.   It could also be offered to part time people who are not on medical plans. 

 

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