By Allison J. Bloom, Esq. & Lee Varner, BS EMS, EMT-P Let’s say you have recently returned from a conference or trade show, where you found a great new piece of technology that you want to implement in your agency. Or, maybe you have been tasked with sourcing a new piece of software or technology […]
INCISIVE ANALYSIS OF EMS LEGAL TOPICS In the October issue of EMS Insider, I discussed the idea that as EMS agencies partner with other providers and institutions in their communities to implement mobile integrated healthcare practice/community paramedicine (MIHP-CP) programs, those partners will have certain expectations regarding the existence within the EMS agency of both a […]
As EMS agencies begin to implement mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) and community paramedicine (CP) programs and begin to partner with other healthcare providers, organizations, and institutions within their communities, they may find themselves having some uncomfortable, and at times confusing, conversations with these other providers. Specifically, I am referring to inquiries regarding the agency’s corporate […]
Information is at the center of everything an organization does, and records (a subset of information) are evidence of what the organization does. How an organization manages its information, including its records, can directly affect its ability to successfully compete in the marketplace, comply with regulations, survive an investigation or audit, and recover from disaster. […]
Much has been written about the healthcare reforms contained in the Affordable Care Act, and the ways in which EMS and mobile integrated healthcare can incorporate those changes into their delivery systems. But one thing which has not been discussed much in the EMS and mobile integrated healthcare field is the role and requirements of […]
In the June 2013 Healthcare Reform column, we addressed the steps to get started contracting with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in your area. One of the steps listed was asking the right questions. This is almost as critical as gaining a seat at the contracting table. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) sets forth the […]
In previous articles, we have discussed the concept of contracting with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and why it will be important. ACOs are focused mostly on working with pre- and post-acute providers to reduce costs and share savings. So why would these organizations even care about EMS agencies—and why should EMS agencies care about partnering with ACOs in their area? How exactly do and should EMS agencies go about ACO contracting? What are the steps to take to get started?
A first look at the issues facing EMS provider agencies There’s still much confusion on the subject of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), especially with regard to aligning or “contracting.” This month’s article answers a couple of fundamental questions regarding ACO contracting. Watch for more insights in the coming months. Overview of ACO contracting ACO contracting […]
In 2006, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a landmark report, “Emergency Medical Services: At the crossroads,” which identified systemic problems in EMS.1 Although strong federal funding in the 1970s fueled the initial development of EMS systems at the state and local levels, the withdrawal of comprehensive federal funding of the 1980s led to haphazard growth and implementation of EMS systems across the country.
In 2006, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a landmark report, “Emergency Medical Services: At the crossroads,” which identified systemic problems in EMS.1 Although strong federal funding in the 1970s fueled the initial development of EMS systems at the state and local levels, the withdrawal of comprehensive federal funding of the 1980s led to haphazard […]
Allison J. Bloom, Esq., is an attorney in private law practice in the field of EMS law. Her practice focuses on providing risk management and legal services to EMS and fire agencies, with an emphasis on corporate, business and regulatory law. She has also worked as a products liability defense attorney in the pharmaceutical industry. Bloom has published numerous articles and lectures frequently on EMS legal topics.
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