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Under most circumstances there is no charge for services when a patient is not transported to a medical facility. If significant treatment is administered prior to a no transport you may receive a bill, usually payable by insurance, to recoup the cost of the supplies used. In the event that air medical transport by a helicopter is utilized, a charge for services is applied to recoup the cost of equipment utilized in the care of a patient prior to air ambulance arrival.
Review your statement carefully. Statements are sent out monthly to keep you informed of your account status. It may be possible that the amount shown does not reflect a payment due; it may be that we are awaiting payment by your insurance carrier. If you have any questions at all, contact an account specialist to review the status of your account. Sometimes there may be a simple error and we need to confirm the accuracy of your information. It is best to contact us as soon as possible with any concerns, as your insurance submissions are time sensitive and the quicker we can clear up any information the better. If your insurance does not pay, simply contact our administrative staff to review payment options offered.
S.O.S Medical, Inc. currently accepts credit cards as a method of acceptable payment. Please contact our office during regular office hours Monday - Friday (8am - 4:00 PM) and we can process the credit / debit card payment over the phone or in the office. We currently do not take credit card payments through our website.
We are willing to make payment arrangements with any party faced with an outstanding bill. Patients, their families or representatives are able to contact the billing office during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We strive to aid patients and families by accepting modest payments on a monthly basis. This enables all involved to successfully handle the unexpected burden an injury or illness can create. It is our goal to work with all of the patients we serve and avoid the need for advanced debt collection.
We make every effort to take patients to a hospital of their choice. However, in the instance of a life-threatening emergency, the closest and most appropriate hospital may be necessary for stabilization. Or, in some situations, a specialized treatment may only be available at a certain facility. There are also occasions when a hospital may be unable to accept patients due to overcrowding. Long distant transfers out of the area, such as St. Louis, are possible but must be pre-arranged through our office by the patients family or the hospital staff.
The EMS system is in place to assure that you receive emergency medical assistance at any location, quickly and efficiently. It is not a good idea to be driving around in an emergency situation possibly endangering your own life or the lives of others. In an emergency, simply call 911 and let the system work for you. Appropriate emergency response unit(s) will be dispatched to your location immediately.
Occasionally, EMS crews may be away from their station on an emergency call, attending training, or familiarizing themselves with the district. Use 911 in an emergency.
Initial EMS training begins at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level. Once licensed by the State of Missouri as an EMT, you may then proceed to the Paramedic Level of training. The EMT level of training is where emergency medical “basics” are learned, applied and practiced. An EMT can administer oxygen and secure a patient airway, and defibrillate (“shock”) using an A.E.D. (automated external defibrillator).
A Paramedic can start IVs, intubate (put a breathing tube into the trachea or windpipe), interpret EKGs and administer life-saving medications.
EMTs and Paramedics are licensed by the State of Missouri. Both must first attend an EMT course and then the Paramedic course follows usually after the EMT has worked in the field to gain experience. Both courses are offered locally at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. Both EMTs and Paramedics must complete a minimum number of CEUs (continuing education credits) every five years. An EMT-P must complete 144 hours of CEUs every five years and EMTs 100 hours respectively. In addition, Paramedics must maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications every two years. Both must maintain current CPR certification at all times. North Scott County Ambulance District strives to ensure that our staff accomplishes these requirements by utilizing a training program that allows personnel to attend courses required for re-licensure.
