November 10, 2005
E-Update

 

Table of Contents

Geographic Practice Cost Index-2006

AAA Member Renewals Mailed

Contribute Prize to AMBUPAC Raffle

 Just Added Preconference Workshops-
Tuesday, November 26; 12:00-4:00pm; Ballroom E

Have You Registered for AAA's Annual Convention and Trade Show

 


Geographic Practice Cost Index

by David M. Werfel, Esq.

The Geographic Practice Cost Index has three components -- work, practice expense and malpractice -- used to calculate the physician fee schedule. The GPCI reflects the cost of doing business in one area of the country relative to other areas. For ambulance services, the practice expense component is used as part of the calculation of the ambulance fee schedule.

The formula for calculating ambulance base rates is as follows:

GROUND: (unadjusted base rate x .7 x GPCI) + (unadjusted base rate x .3)

AIR: (UNADJUSTED BASE RATE X .5 X GPCI) + (UNADJUSTED BASE RATE X .5)

For 2006, there have been changes in the practice expense portion of the Geographic Practice Cost Index. Attached to this update are the 2005 and 2006 GPCIs for all localities. You will need to compare the "PE" column with your current GPCI to determine whether your adjustment will be higher or lower for 2006.

CMS has not yet posted the rates for 2006. They still need to publish the IIC, before the 2006 rates can be published. Usually, that is done in December. The A.A.A. will advise you when that has been published.

AAA Member Renewals Mailed

2006 Member Renewal Notifications have started showing up in mailboxes. All memberships for 2005 will end on December 31st. Don't run the risk of lapsing, join now to ensure another year of educational opportunities, Conferences, E-Updates, Ambulance Service Journals, and information from those who have their fingers on the pulse of your industry.

If you haven't received your renewal, please contact Larry Peacock at (703) 610-0217 or lpeacock@the-aaa.org

Contribute Prize to AMBUPAC Raffle

At the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show in Las Vegas in late November through early December, there will be a raffle to benefit the AAA Federal Political Action Committee (AMBUPAC). All proceeds from the raffle will go to AMBUPAC which contributes funds to the political committees of Members of Congress. If you or your organization is interested in donating a prize for the raffle, please contact AAA Vice President of Government Affairs Tristan North at tnorth@the-aaa.org.


Haven't decided if you are going to attend the AAA's Annual Convention and Trade Show??

HERE ARE 5 REASONS TO ATTEND!

We have an informative line-up of Preconference Workshops

Tuesday, November 29
12:00-4:00pm
Ballroom E

 

November 28 - December 2, 2005
Las Vegas Hilton


Mercy Group
12-12:45pm

Maintaining compliance with the multitude of state, federal and local regulations for EMS providers challenges even the largest and most advanced organizations in the industry. Learn how Virtual Solutions Manager (VSM) has helped companies and organizations throughout the country become better employers, saving tens of thousands of dollars annually.
VSM is a web-based management tool, specifically designed to meet the training, communication, and recordkeeping needs of its customers. Easy data entry, recordkeeping, automated alert system, and access to reports is available 24/7/365 from any computer with internet access.
Join The Mercy Group for a live, interactive demo of Virtual Solutions Manager and learn how you too, can save money, improve employee morale, reduce your risk for citations and fines, and become a more cost-efficient organization.
Preview of DriveCam Workshop: Analyzing Driving Behavior in EMS


Medtronic
12:45-1:30pm

Capnography’s Need for EMS: Why it is here to Stay!
Presenter: Karen Fitch Bergenholtz

This lecture will discuss the necessity for capnography usage in EMS by looking at recent literature and supporting data. Practice implications and technology advances making it possible to implement into practice will be described. Current trends with capnography monitoring including local and state protocols utilizing capnography monitoring will also be discussed.

Background on Speaker:
Karen has extensive background in critical care and has worked with numerous EMS groups throughout the country implementing capnography into practice. She continues to provide support to paramedics on site on usage of end tidal CO2 and has done local and national speaking on Capnography products and education. She currently works for Oridion Capnography as the clinical support manager.

EMSED.Com
1:30-2:00pm

Presenter: Jim Eastham

Jim will be presenting the AAA Learning and Information Network and giving a demonstration on how it works and what options are available for AAA member companies and their managers. He will also give a demonstration of how member companies can quickly produce and present online audio slideshow presentations with a minimum amount of technical expertise. He will be using a product know as Articulate Presenter. The total for these two presentations would last 45 minutes.


DriveCam
 2-3:30pm

Analyzing Driving Behavior in EMS

In this interactive workshop, you will learn how new video technologies combined with sophisticated analysis software and driver coaching provide insights into paramedic and EMT driving habits that dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of ambulance crashes.

The implications for EMS Services include:

  • Lower management effort for great impact results;
  • Less injury to patients and personnel;
  • Significant reduction in vehicle maintenance keeps crews and equipment on the street;
  • Real-life training clips obtained from within their own system for use by training officers and supervisors;
  • Reduction in casualty claims by more than half, enabling the organization to avoid the cost of defending against unwarranted lawsuits, especially when if the driver was not at fault.

DriveCam mitigates risk by improving driver behavior and assessing liability in collisions. DriveCam's systems and services are used by commercial fleets to identify, manage and improve unsafe driving behaviors and document accidents using video and audio recordings, combined with sophisticated analysis software, event review and driver coaching services.


Ortivus North America
3:30-4:00pm

How to improve fleet efficiency with GPS/AVL (automatic vehicle location)
Presenter: Dan Voss, Product Manager


 Presented material will include the general advantages of incorporating GPS/AVL technology into your organization. The methodology for incorporating this functionality for every vehicle in your organization . Supporting outcome will be presented in case studies from current users of this vehicle tracking technology. And finally Options to meet varying needs of Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services that are available from Ortivus North America.

There is no additional cost to attend the these workshops, it is included in your registration fee.

Register TODAY!

 

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