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AAA Member Benefits 2008

Essential Online Research Tools
Resource Library

The Member Resource Library will be a tool for members to search for particular articles, position papers or other information of interest on the web. The all articles will be searchable not only by topic or keyword but it will also include a list of all articles available including the name of the original source. The articles will be in PDF format which allows for optimal on-screen legibility and printing clarity. Look for the resource library online later this year.

Web Boards
The AAA member web boards will give members the opportunity to communicate with each other and our Medicare Consultants David and Brian Werfel. Members are able to find answers to their questions as well as opportunities to discuss shared relevant concerns or express opinions. Click Here To Access Web Boards

Current News Updates
E Update Service
Open your e-mail and get free weekly updates on relevant government affairs and educational news. The government affairs update focuses on current AAA government initiatives and breaking industry news. Educational updates focus on upcoming meetings, audio conferences and member benefits. If you are not receiving weekly E-updates please email eorourke@the-aaa.org

Clipping Service
Keep abreast of EMS news right from your own desktop without scouring the web. The clipping service sends local and national news stories related to the EMS industry weekly right to your inbox. This service is offered by annual subscription for only $99. To sign up please e-mail jmartinez@the-aaa.org

AAA Conferences
As an AAA Member you are entitled to attend conferences at a discounted member rate. The AAA offers 4 annual conferences each year:

Lobby Days and Reimbursement Task Force - Early Spring

Stars of Life Celebration - Recognition event held in Washington DC each May

Summer Healthcare Reimbursement Conference - Summer

Annual Convention and Tradeshow - Fall

All AAA conferences offer members a chance to meet with leaders in the ambulance industry as well as network with other members and vendors as well as attend educational sessions on topics that are pertinent to today's ambulance companies.

Look on the AAA Meetings Calendar online for more information on upcoming events.

Educational Audio Conferences are another way to stay informed without leaving your office. Conferences last 2 hours with a half an hour at the end for question and answer sessions. Conferences are offered every few months with the goal of keeping members up to date on ever-changing legislation and Medicare issues. Look for the 2008 audio conference brochure in the mail and online soon.

Publications
The AAA offers several publications and reference materials to keep your ambulance organization up and running with the best information out there. All members receive publications at half the price! Here are a few of the publications we offer:

The AAA Medicare Reference Manual delivers one source for comprehensive information to ensure proper Medicare billing. The manual provides key sections of the regulations, manuals and letters form CMS but also explanations on all of these are provided to further clarify this complex health code. The manual is updated annually with the option of purchasing updates to keep your version current.

Excellent patient care can only be strengthened when the service you provide is guided by standards and consistency. The Community Guide to Ensure High Performance Emergency Ambulance Service provides those tools with the documentation that ensures accurate and relevant care for patients by providers throughout their pre-hospital and out of hospital experiences. The guide is also an effective tool when working with municipal EMS systems.

Click Here for a complete listing of AAA publications and order form.

Government Affairs
The AAA is concerned with how legislation affects our ability to provide services. An effective way to overcome the many complex

challenges that face ambulance owners and staff is to educate our policy-makers and regulators in the United States so they understand how their policy decisions affect their communities and their citizens' health care through our services.

The priorities of the AAA are:

• Strengthen support for Medicare Ambulance Payment Reform and Rural Equity Act and the passage of the Medicare Ambulance Relief
• Advocate for congress to legislate an exemption for ambulance service providers from paying the federal excise tax on fuel and tires.
• Increased homeland security funding for ambulance services
• Improve OIG policies toward private providers

The AAA also gives its members tools and resources to assist in contacting, meeting and educating members of congress and strategies to becoming politically active at a local level so that relationships with local leaders lead to positive business and personnel recognition. Outcomes also result in more informed local officials that inevitably succeed in establishing healthier connections between your service and the local community.