PWW Advisory Group

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a favorable Advisory Opinion for cost-sharing waivers tied to Treatment-in-Place (TIP) services. This new opinion supports a municipal EMS agency’s proposal to bill insurance plans and waive patient cost-sharing amounts for TIP services provided during 911 responses where no transport occurs. Key Takeaways Although Medicare Part B doesn’t currently cover TIP services, the OIG’s opinion supports cost-sharing waivers for TIP services covered by Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans. The OIG sees TIP services as a cost-saving, efficient alternative that delivers faster care, avoids unnecessary hospital transports, and reduces Federal healthcare costs. If Medicare Part B begins covering TIP, this favorable stance could extend to such services under the right conditions. Important Considerations: Check state laws and private payer contracts before implementing TIP cost-sharing waivers. The opinion only applies to the requesting agency—others should seek tailored legal guidance. Why It Matters: The OIG highlighted how TIP services improve patient care and reduce costs: Avoid unnecessary ambulance transports. Deliver timely, appropriate care on-site. Lower Federal healthcare spending overall. Want to learn more or need guidance? Reach out to the PWW|AG consultants for advice. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eBcV_AkR

The Texas EMS Conference is a great way to wrap up the conference season for PWW|AG. Steve and Matt are always sought after for questions after their incredible sessions. It was a busy couple of days in beautiful Ft. Worth. Steve, Jill, Matt & Tessa also were able to participate in the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Ft. Worth on Sunday evening. We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday and is able to enjoy time with family, friends and loved ones.

Always great presenting with our good friend Joe Schmider EMT state EMS Director, at the Texas EMS Conference in Fort Worth. Presenting the latest compliance information at the Advanced Administrator of Record Course. Also discussed how to combat the bad attitudes, bad behaviors, disrespect, and laziness that are often the root cause of most patient complaints and lawsuits. Steve Wirth, Matt Zavadsky, Jason Leet, and Jill Wirth from the PWW|AG and NAAC Team will be here through Tuesday. Stop by our booth at the convention center!

The closing date for the National EMS Documentation Survey has been set for December 6th.?This means that EMS professionals have about 3 weeks left to complete the survey and make their voices heard on one of the most important issues in our profession. EMS providers, managers and executives, medical directors, billing and revenue cycle professionals, compliance officers, QA managers, and anyone else involved in EMS and concerned about the state of clinical, operational, and reimbursement-oriented documentation should be sure to complete this survey.?It takes about 10-15 minutes, and the feedback you provide will help chart a course for the future of electronic patient care documentation, training, and other key issues. Take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gHizhQr2. Take the survey today, and be sure your voice is heard.??

Thank you to those that have served and are currently serving. We appreciate your sacrifices.

?? Medicare Final Rule Adding Prehospital Blood Transfusion to ALS2 Released! ?? ? What's new? Starting January 1, 2025, Medicare is expanding ALS2 reimbursement criteria to include prehospital blood transfusions (PHBT). PHBT includes the administration of: Low titer O+ and O- whole blood (WBT); Packed red blood cells (PRBCs); Plasma; or A combination of PRBCs and plasma. ?? Thanks to feedback from across the EMS industry, CMS expanded the rule beyond the Proposed Rule that only included O+ blood transfusion. You can read the Final Rule here: https://lnkd.in/dXsYrmxd

We need your input! This is a reminder to complete the National EMS Documentation Survey TM. Your responses are invaluable in helping us understand and address the challenges in EMS patient documentation. By sharing your insights, you'll directly influence efforts to improve accuracy, compliance, and overall patient care within EMS. It only takes 10-15 minutes, but the impact will be lasting. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard! To access the Survey, visit https://lnkd.in/gHizhQr2 or use the QR code below.

PWW|AG is proud to support the?#EMSpire?2024 conference at the?The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club?in Madison, WI. Stop by the booth and talk to Lisa about the suite of services.

First responders are the heartbeat of our communities, standing ready to help in our most critical moments. This National First Responders Day, we recognize and honor their unwavering commitment, bravery, and the sacrifices they make daily to keep us safe. Join us in celebrating these heroes who make a difference in every life they touch. Read the White House Proclamation here: https://lnkd.in/etGivmCd