Influencing EMS…The ACA Is Here
By Chief Dennis Compton
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is being implemented across the country. The implementation has already started and brings challenges and opportunities to Fire Service-Based EMS Systems. There is urgency to the decision points presented in this major shift in EMS. But where, when, and how are leaders across the full spectrum of the fire service addressing them? Implementation may vary from state to state, urban to rural, etc., regarding some specific ACA elements, but there are also consistencies nationally that have clearly emerged:
• Partnerships between hospitals and the medical community at-large are strengthening.
• Fire Service-Based EMS service-delivery options are becoming more enhanced.
• New health care and revenue models are developing.