Your article “Buncombe County to Set Terms for Private EMS Contract” [March 13, Xpress] uses historical data to point out potential adverse impacts to local fire departments. I think this is misleading, and we need to correct the record.
A new CMS Medicare pilot called the Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) model [avl.mx/5ut] will allow participating ambulance suppliers and physicians to partner with health care practitioners to deliver treatment by transport to primary care offices and 24-hour urgent care clinics or deliver treatment on the scene. A model to create a low-acuity 911 service could potentially fill unmet needs in rural health care.
The bottom line is we can prepare for the future instead of taking business away from local fire departments. This is a wise decision by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners if the Medic private EMS service contract is structured to best service Medicare beneficiaries.
— Joel Harder
Arden
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.