When faced with a medical emergency, it's essential to have the best care available at your fingertips. In recent years, New Hampshire has seen a significant rise in the demand for dedicated ambulance services.
Ambulance Transport Service
An ambulance service provides pre-hospital treatments and transports patients to medical facilities. It's a vital link in the chain of medical care, ensuring that patients receive timely attention, especially during emergencies.
While many might think it just transport patients, the Ambulance Transport Service in New Hampshire is much more. These are not mere vehicles; they're mobile medical units.
As they transport, trained professionals attend to the patient, providing necessary medical interventions and ensuring the patient is stable throughout the journey.
Emergency Medical Service
EMS is there for critical situations where every moment matters. In cases of severe trauma, life-threatening injuries, or critical health complications, these ambulances are equipped with advanced life-saving equipment.
With Emergency Ambulance Service, New Hampshire residents can have peace of mind, knowing their loved ones get care even before reaching the hospital.
Medic Ambulance: Trained Professionals on Board
Much like the paramedics who accompany human patients, the medic ambulance has skilled medical professionals on board. These experts are equipped to handle emergencies, from cardiac events to severe injuries.
Their immediate intervention can significantly improve a patient's chances of recovery.
How to Call an Ambulance: Essential Steps
If you or someone near you is facing a medical emergency in New Hampshire:
- Ensure your safety and that of others.
- Dial the ambulance service number. It's a good idea to save this number in your contacts or keep it somewhere accessible.
- Provide a clear description of the situation and your location. Be detailed about the patient's condition.
- Follow any guidance given by the operator until the ambulance team arrives.
Ambulance Type
The types of ambulances generally refer to the design, layout, and function of the vehicle:
Type 1: This ambulance type is based on a truck-like chassis and is usually larger in size. They have a separate compartment for medical equipment and personnel, making them ideal for more severe cases that require ample space and equipment.
Type 2: Built on a van chassis, Type 2 ambulances are slightly smaller but are efficient and agile, particularly beneficial in urban environments with tighter roads. They are often used for non-emergency transports but can be equipped for emergencies if necessary.
Type 3: This type has a square patient compartment that is mounted onto a cut-a-way van chassis. They combine the best features of both Type 1 and Type 2, offering spacious interiors while being agile on the road.
Depending on the situation's gravity and the specific needs of the patient, the appropriate type of ambulance will be dispatched.
Ambulance with Medicare in New Hampshire
Does Medicare cover Ambulance in New Hampshire?
Yes, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers ground transportation in New Hampshire when it's deemed medically necessary and when other transportation could endanger your health.
This typically applies when you need transportation to a hospital, critical access hospital (CAH), or a skilled nursing facility (SNF).
However, it's important to note that Medicare might not cover ambulance services if they deem that a different type of transportation (like a car) could have been used without endangering the individual's health.
Medicare Ambulance Reimbursement Rates
Medicare reimburses ambulance services based on a fee schedule that considers both a base rate and mileage rate. The exact reimbursement rate can vary based on several factors, including:
- The level of service provided (e.g., Basic Life Support (BLS) vs. Advanced Life Support (ALS)).
- The reason for the trip (emergency vs. non-emergency).
- The area where the service was provided (urban, rural, or super-rural).
- Reimbursement rates are adjusted annually, and providers are often paid at a percentage (typically 80%) of the Medicare-approved amount for the service, with the patient being responsible for the remaining 20%.
A Medicare rate calculator is a valuable tool that can assist members in budgeting for the coming year.
Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule
The Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule(MAFS) provides detailed information about the payment for Ambulance Transport Service covered under Medicare Part B. The fee schedule is complex and considers:
- Base rate payments (covering the personnel, equipment, and availability of service).
- Mileage payments (the actual distance traveled by the ambulance).
- Adjustments for the type of service (BLS, ALS, specialty care transport).
- Geographic adjustments (accounting for the varying costs in providing services in urban vs. rural areas).
Average Out-of-Pocket Costs
In some situations insurance companies and Medicare pay some portion of the EMS bill. What remains of the bill after they have paid is the responsibility of the patient. Refer to your insurance company or Medicare for information on how much they will cover.
Below are average out-of-pocket costs for which a patient is responsible, based on who the primary payor is.
- Insurance: $184
- Medicare: $91
- Self Pay: $367
- Medicaid: $0
Ambulance by Counties
Precautions To Take Before Using an Ambulance
In the face of an emergency situation where you or someone you know requires an ambulance, it's crucial to understand the necessary precautions for safe and effective transport.
Being prepared and informed can simplify the process and ensure timely medical attention.
Ensure Safety First
Before calling an ambulance, make sure you and the affected individual are in a secure location. If the emergency happened in a dangerous area, like a busy road, try to move the individual (if feasible) to a safer place without worsening the condition.
Avoid Administering Medications
It might be tempting to give first-aid or medications, but it's best to wait for professional advice unless you're confident and trained in emergency care.
Be Aware of Potential Costs
It's essential to understand any costs associated with the ambulance services. Some services may offer payment plans or have provisions for those with financial constraints.
Prepare to Accompany or Follow
In certain situations, you may need to accompany the patient in the ambulance or follow in your vehicle, especially if you have to give more details or make decisions upon reaching the hospital.
Ambulance Cost FAQ
1. How much does an ambulance cost?
In New Hampshire, the cost can vary widely based on several factors, including the distance traveled, the medical services provided, and the type of ambulance used.
On average, a ground ambulance ride might range anywhere from $300 to over $2,500. However, the cost can escalate quickly if advanced life support services are required or if traveling a long distance.
2. Does health insurance cover ambulance?
In New Hampshire, many health insurance plans do offer some coverage, but the specifics can vary based on the policy and the insurance provider.
3. How much is an ambulance ride with insurance?
If your insurance policy covers Transport Service, you might only be responsible for a co-pay or a percentage of the total cost, which could range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on your plan's details and deductible.
4. How much is an ambulance ride without insurance?
Without insurance, you would be responsible for the full cost of the ambulance ride. This means you could be looking at a bill ranging from $300 to $2,500 or more, based on the services provided and distance traveled.
5. Does Blue Cross insurance cover ambulance rides?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire generally provides coverage for medically necessary EMS. However, the specific amount covered and any out-of-pocket expenses would depend on the individual policy details.
It's crucial for policyholders to review their coverage documents or speak directly with a Blue Cross representative to understand their benefits and any potential costs.
6. What is Air/helicopter ambulance insurance cost?
Air or helicopter ambulance services are significantly more expensive than ground services. In New Hampshire, a helicopter ambulance ride can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or even more. Some health insurance policies might offer partial coverage, but many do not.
There are also dedicated air ambulance membership programs that individuals can join, which offer reduced rates or cover the cost of air EMS in emergencies.
7. How to not pay ambulance bills?
Avoiding payment of legitimate bills is not advised. If facing financial hardship, it's essential to communicate with the billing department as soon as possible. Many service providers may offer payment plans, reduced rates, or financial assistance programs for eligible individuals.
In some cases, local charities or social services might provide assistance with medical bills.
8. What happens if you don't pay ambulance bill?
In New Hampshire, if you fail to pay your bill, the service provider may send your account to collections, which can negatively impact your credit score. Continued non-payment could also result in legal actions, like a lawsuit, to recover the owed amount.
It's always best to address the bill head-on, either by arranging a payment plan or seeking assistance, rather than ignoring it.
