EMS
For Emergencies - DIAL 911
Contact Us
Jan Harding
Director (EMT)
EMS
Mailing Address
201 N. Jennings
Anthony, KS 67003
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Phone: : (620) 842-3506
Emergency Phone: : 911
All Stations will answer: 620-842-3506
"DON'T GUESS CALL EMS"
Harper County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responds to Medical and Traumatic calls and proudly protects people living in and around Harper County. We operate out of 3 stations that protect a primarily rural area. Our department is a county owned department whose members are a combination of paid full and part-time status.
Our Mission: The mission of Harper County EMS is to serve all individuals in need of emergency medical care with the highest quality of progressive medical care and evaluation with the caring, compassionate and respectful attitudes those individuals deserve.
WHEN EMS ARRIVES
What to Expect When Emergency Medical Services Arrives
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to a variety of calls for help, from motor vehicle crashes and accidents to medical emergencies. Let's spend a few minutes talking about what to expect if you or your family calls 911 for EMS for medical assistance. That way we can make that moment a little less scary, and a little more understandable.
EMS Providers
EMS has greatly evolved over the years. EMS providers are able to recognize and treat most any medical or traumatic condition while transporting a patient to the hospital. EMS services vary nationwide—some employ paramedics (advanced life support providers who can administer intravenous medications, monitor the heart, etc.) and others staff EMTs (basic life support providers who may be able to administer limited oral medications).
It can be sort of confusing as to what each level of provider can perform in the out-of-hospital setting. Regardless, all function under medical control via standing orders or direct contact with a physician, and all provide the best possible patient care.
Response
When you call for help, EMS will immediately respond, usually with an ambulance staffed with two or three personnel. Additionally, other first responders such as fire departments or law enforcement agencies may also respond to your location. Do not be surprised if five people arrive to help.
Also, the use of lights and sirens for these responding agencies is directed by state regulations and departmental policy, despite requests to minimize drawing attention.
Providing Care
These personnel will immediately begin caring for the ill or injured. Some of the activities may include:
History & Physical Examination
One technician will typically start asking pertinent medical questions which center on past medical history, current medications, allergies, physician's name, and hospital choice, while the other will begin the examination and treatment. Specific questions may include when the patient ate last, when and what medications were last administered, if unusual stressors have been present (e.g., infections, stress, exercise) and what the person was doing prior to the incident.
They will also, most likely, ask other questions unrelated to the condition. Family members can help EMS by compiling a list or gathering all of the patient's information and medications. Keep a current list of medications (include the medication name, dose and administration frequency) and a complete past medical history. This will help ensure the necessary patient information is relayed to medical providers.
This information should also be readily accessible (either in a wallet if the person is away from home, or with the medications if at home). Family members should also keep a copy. Medic-Alert bracelets, or similar devices, are a fantastic method of alerting medical personnel to important patient history.
Treatment
Treatment, will vary according to EMS provider. The patient may receive oxygen, medications, ECG monitoring, fluid administration, or a host of other interventions. If the patient is conscious, treatment options should be discussed with both the patient and family members.
Transport
EMS will generally transport to the hospital designated by the patient. If the patient is critical or unable to communicate his or her wishes, EMS will follow specific guidelines for transport. Most generally, EMS does not transport patients with the use of lights or sirens.
Prevention
Prevention of an emergency is always best. Talk to your doctor about what should happen if you need emergency medical assistance. We hope this brief explanation of EMS and how it functions will be useful if emergency care is needed. Know that the EMS providers truly care about you.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In Case of an Emergency
Assure your own safety. Do not place yourself in danger. Call 911 .
Do not move the patient unless his/her location presents an immediate threat to their life, e.g.: patient is in the water, a fire is burning in the building or vehicle, or there is no way to protect the patient from harm in their current location.
If the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse, begin rescue breathing and/or CPR. If you have not been trained in these important skills, contact Harper County EMS or your local American Heart Association chapter.
If the patient is bleeding, apply a clean bandage, if available. If bleeding continues apply additional dressings over the existing bandage. If possible elevate the injury and apply direct pressure to the wound.
The Right Time to Call 911
If a person or yourself exhibits any of the below symptoms EMS should be called.
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Chest Pain / Heart Problems - chest pain radiating to neck, jaw, arm, or back
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Difficulty Breathing - choking, blue appearance, struggling for air, wheezing
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Change in Level of Consciousness - stumbling, incoherent, mumbling, dizzy
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Uncontrolled Bleeding - blood spurting, vomiting or coughing up blood, heavy rectal or vaginal bleeding
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Central Injuries - injuries to the head, neck, back, abdomen, or pelvis or inability to walk
Additional Times When 911 / EMS Should Be Called
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Back Injuries
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Burns or Poisonings
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Chokings
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Falls
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Heart Attacks
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Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Injuries
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Strokes
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Sudden Severe Illness
Links
Heat Emergencies
Harper County EMS Hot Weather Safety Tips
When the weather outside heats up take the temperature and heat index into account when planning your daily outdoor activities.
The heat index is a combination of the current outdoor temperature and the relative humidity, or amount of moisture present in the air. The higher the outdoor temperature and relative humidity, the greater the heat index and more at risk you and your pets are to suffer from heat exhaustion.
If the value is above 105 degrees, the National Weather Service will issue a heat advisory, and special precautions are necessary. Below are some heat safety tips from the National Weather Service:
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Slow down - strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day
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Dress for summer - wear light-weight, and light-colored clothing
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Stay hydrated - your body needs water to stay cool; even if you don't feel thirsty, continue to drink water
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Don't get too much sun - sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult
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Spend more time in air-conditioned places - doing so makes the body's job of staying cool that much easier
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Do not drink alcoholic beverages - the intake of alcohol only leads to further dehydration
Heat Exhaustion & Stroke
Each year when the summer temperature ascends higher and higher, the possibility of too much sun can cause a deadly stroke. When the weather is warm and sultry and in fact hot with high humidity it is sometimes deceiving to our good sense. We exercise with enthusiasm as usual, not thinking about the extreme heat of the day. Heat is generated in the body, and when it is produced faster than the body can cool itself down, then related conditions may occur such as heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Feeling Cramps
If we are subjected to air that is a very warm and for an extended period, it may overwhelm the body's ability to cool adequately. When this happens we may have the symptom of cramps. The main muscles used in your activity will most probably be the areas you will notice the cramping. Rest, find shade, drink fluid, and eat something a bit salty to relieve the discomfort.
Feeling Faint: Heat Exhaustion
If your body temperature is raised and you feel faint, you notice your heart rate is rapid, your blood pressure will be low, you are very pale with cool clammy skin, and are sick at your stomach you may be experiencing heat exhaustion. These symptoms may show up very quickly.
Get to a cooler place inside or in the shade immediately. Remove restrictive clothing and lay down with legs elevated. Drink cool water or a beverages with electrolytes. Watch this condition carefully, it is a precursor to heat stroke.
Get Help: Heat Stroke
There are those people who have less ability to perspire, senior citizens or those prone to obesity, who will be more likely to succumb to a heat stroke. Also conditions such, excessive exercise, heart disease, specific medications, over use of alcohol, are all risk factors for heat stroke.
Symptoms of a heatstroke is fever of perhaps 105 degrees Fahrenheit with skin that is dry and very warm. You will notice some confusion, rapid pulse, and rapid shallow breathing; the blood pressure could be high or low. In this case you should suspect a heat stroke.
Call 911 and/or seek emergency treatment immediately. Move the person to a cool shady place and remove unnecessary clothing. If available, place ice packs under the person's armpits and in their groin area, otherwise apply a cool wet cloth to the head, armpits, groin, and chest areas. Keep the victim wet with a water spray, sponging, or wet towels. Use fans and/or air conditioners to increase the airflow over the victim.
Covering the person with ice or immersing in ice is not recommended. Do not give fluids.
HIPAA
Notice of Statement
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
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Understanding Your Medical Information - Its Uses & Disclosures
Certain laws require that you be provided Notice of our privacy practices that relate to your medical information. Our privacy practices are contained with this Notice. This Notice applies to the protected health records of your care provided by Harper County and its employees, staff, and volunteers.
Your primary care physician, other health care or treatment providers, or your health insurance plan may have different privacy policies or Notices regarding the doctor's, other provider's, or the plan's use and disclosure of your health information that are created outside of Harper County.
This Notice contains information in the following general categories:
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What is your health record / information?
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What are the responsibilities of Harper County when it comes to your health information?
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What are your health information rights?
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How will Harper County use and disclose your medical information?
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Other uses and disclosures - revoking previous permission to use or disclose your health information.
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If changes are made to this Notice how to obtain a revised copy.
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Your Health Information Rights
Although your health record is the physical property of Harper County, the information belongs to you. You have the right to:
Inspect & Copy Your Records
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of certain health information that may be used to make decisions about your care. Usually, this includes medical and billing records, but does not include psychotherapy notes, information compiled in reasonable anticipation of, or use in, civil, criminal, or administrative actions or proceedings, information that is subject to special laws or other information not contained in the medical or billing records.
To Make a Request
To inspect and obtain a copy of your protected health information maintained in the designated record set by Harper County, you must submit your request in writing. This request should include name, address, description of records to be copied, and phone number, if necessary for contact or follow up. Information should include personal identification for requester and that of the client whose protected health information is being requested.
Personal identifiers include social security number and date of birth. A written request must be completed prior to Harper County providing the requested information. You must submit your request in writing to a Harper County Privacy Officer. If you request a copy of the information, we may charge a reasonable fee for copying, including labor, supplies, and the cost of postage.
Denial of Request
Harper County may deny your request to inspect and copy in certain very limited circumstances. Certain reasons for the denial are not reviewable and some are reviewable. If you are denied access to health information, you will be told in writing. In certain circumstances, however, you may request that the denial be reviewed.
If the original denial of access to the medical records was made by a licensed health care provider as allowed by law, another licensed healthcare professional chosen by Harper County will review your request and the denial. The person conducting the review will not be the person who denied your request. Harper County will comply with the outcome of the review. You will be advised in writing of this reviewing official's decision.
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Request an Amendment of Your Records
If you feel that health information Harper County has about you is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to correct or supplement the information. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for Harper County. To request an amendment, your request must be made in writing and submitted to a Harper County Privacy Officer. In addition, you must provide a reason that supports your request.
Denial of Request
Harper County may deny your request for an amendment if it is not in writing or does not include a reason to support the request. If your request for an amendment is denied, you have the right to file a statement of disagreement that will be included with any future disclosures of your health information. Harper County may deny your request if you ask us to amend information that:
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Was not created by Harper County, unless the person or entity that created the information is no longer available to make the amendment
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Is not part of the health information kept by or for Harper County
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Is not part of the information which you would be permitted to inspect and copy, or is accurate and complete
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Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to request, in certain circumstances, an accounting of disclosures. An accounting is a list of the disclosures Harper County has regarding your health information. An accounting will not include:
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Internal uses of information for treatment, payment, or operations
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Disclosures made to you or made at your request
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Disclosures made to family members or friends in the course of providing care
To request this list or accounting of disclosures, you must submit your request in writing to a Harper County Privacy Officer. Your request must state a time period (which may not be longer than six years and may not include dates before April 14, 2003). Your request should indicate in what form you want the list (e.g., on paper or electronically).
Harper County may charge you for the costs of providing the list. We will notify you of the costs involved and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred.
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Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request a restriction on the health information that Harper County uses or discloses about you for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You also have the right to request a limit on the health information Harper County discloses about you to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care (i.e., a family member or friend). For example, you could ask that:
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Harper County not use or disclose information about a procedure you had done
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Harper County not share specific information with certain people
Harper County is not required to agree to your request. Only the privacy officer can agree to your request. If the privacy officer does agree, Harper County will notify you in writing and comply with your request. If Harper County agrees to a restriction we may:
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Terminate any restriction with or without your agreement
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Inform you that Harper County is terminating our agreement to the restriction
You may also terminate any restriction.
How to Make a Request
To request restrictions, you must make your request in writing to a Harper County Privacy Officer. In your request, you must tell us:
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What information you want to limit
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Whether you want to limit our use, disclosure, or both
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To whom you want the limits to apply (e.g., disclosures to your spouse)
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Request Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that Harper County communicates with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you can ask that Harper County only contact you at work or by mail. To request confidential communications, you must make your request in writing to a Harper County Privacy Officer.
Harper County will not ask you the reason for your request. Harper County may ask you for clarification so we can understand your request. You are not required to give an explanation. Harper County will accommodate all reasonable requests. Your request must specify how or where you wish to be contacted.
A Paper Copy of This Notice
You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice. You may ask Harper County to give you a copy of this Notice at any time. Even if you have agreed to receive this Notice electronically, you are still entitled to a paper copy of this Notice. To obtain a paper copy of this Notice you may contact a Harper County Privacy Officer.
Your Health Record/Information
Your Health Record / Information
Each time you receive health-related treatment or care from a health department or another healthcare provider, a record of your visit is made. Typically, this record contains a history of your illnesses or injuries, symptoms, exam and laboratory results, treatment plans and treatments provided, and notes on future care.
Depending on your health care situation, your record with each healthcare provider may contain more or different information. How your health information is used, is described on the following pages.
The Responsibilities of Harper County When It Comes to Your Health Information
Harper County is required by law to:
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Keep your health information private and only disclose it when required to do so by law
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Explain Harper County's legal duties and privacy practices in connection with your health records
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Obey the rules found in this Notice
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Inform you when Harper County is unable to agree to a requested restriction that you have given us
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Accommodate your reasonable request for an alternative means of delivery, regarding destination, when sending your health information
Harper County will not use or disclose your health information without your authorization, except as explained in this Notice or as required by law. Certain laws may require Harper County to disclose your health information without your authorization. Harper County is obligated to follow those laws.
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Use & Disclosure of Your Medical Information
For Treatment
Harper County may use health information about you to provide you with health-related treatment or care. Harper County may disclose health information about you to other treatment providers who are involved in your care. For example:
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A nurse caring for you during your pregnancy will need to know if you have diabetes because diabetes affects the growth of the baby during the pregnancy. The nurse may need to tell the dietitian that you have diabetes so that your nutritional needs during pregnancy are considered in your care.
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CDDO staff may disclose treatment information to a business associate or affiliate to request services on your behalf.
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Department on Aging staff may disclose treatment information to a business associate or affiliate to request services on your behalf.
Different departments of Harper County also may share health information about you in order to coordinate the different services you need (i.e., medications, lab work, x-rays, etc.). Harper County also may disclose health information about you to people outside Harper County who may be involved in your medical care while you are a client of Harper County (e.g., other doctors, nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, family members, clergy, etc.).
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For Payment
Harper County may use and disclose health information about you for billing purposes so Harper County can collect payment from you, an insurance company, or a third party.
For example, Harper County may need to give your health insurance company information about a procedure you received at Harper County so we can be paid or you can be reimbursed for the procedure. Harper County may also tell your health plan about a treatment you are going to receive in order to obtain prior approval or to determine whether your plan will cover the treatment.
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For Health Care Operations
Harper County may use and disclose health information about you for operations. These uses and disclosures are necessary to run Harper County and make sure all of our clients receive quality care.
For example, Harper County may use health information to review our treatment and services and to evaluate the performance of our staff in caring for you. Harper County may disclose information to doctors, nurses, medical students, and other personnel for review and learning purposes. Additional uses and disclosures for health care operations include:
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Activities related to improving health or reducing health care costs
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Protocol development
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Care management
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Training, certification, licensing, credentialing, or other related activities
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Insurance-related functions
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Medical review and auditing functions, including fraud and abuse detection and compliance programs
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Conducting or arranging for legal services for Harper County or its personnel
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Business planning and development, business management, and general administrative activities
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Internal grievance resolution
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Appointment Reminders
Harper County may use and disclose health information to contact you, a family member, or friend involved in your health-related treatment or care (or as authorized by you) to remind you of an appointment for treatment or care at Harper County. Unless you tell us not to, we may also leave a reminder on your answering machine / voice mail system.
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Treatment Alternatives
Harper County may use and disclose health information to tell you about, or recommend, possible treatment options or alternatives that may be of interest to you.
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Health-Related Benefits & Services
Harper County may use and disclose health information to tell you about health-related benefits or services that may be of interest to you.
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Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care
Harper County may release health information about you to a friend or family member who is involved in your health-related treatment or care. Harper County may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care. Harper County may disclose health information about you to an entity assisting in disaster relief effort so that your family can be notified about your condition, status, and location.
The amount of information disclosed will depend on that person's particular involvement in your care. If you want this information restricted, you must tell us by using the required procedure.
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Research
Under certain circumstances, Harper County may use and disclose health information about you for research purposes. For example, a research project may study the effects of early access to health care during pregnancy.
All research projects are subject to a special approval process. This process evaluates a proposed research project and its use of health information, while balancing research needs with the client's need for privacy of their health information. Before we use disclosure of health information for research, the project must be approved through the research approval process.
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As Required by Law
Harper County will disclose health information about you when required to do so by federal, state, or local law. This may include reporting of communicable diseases, wounds, abuse, disease registries, health oversight matters, and other public policy requirements. We may be required to report this information without your permission.
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To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety
Harper County may use and disclose health information about you when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of the public or another person. Any disclosure, however, is limited to person(s) who can help prevent the threat.
Special Situations
Sharing of Information Without Your Permission
Military & Veterans
If you are a member of the armed forces, Harper County may release health information about you as required by military command authorities.
Workers' Compensation
Harper County may release health information about you for workers' compensation or similar programs. These programs provide benefits for work-related injuries or illness.
Public Health Activities
Harper County may disclose health information about you without your permission for public health activities. These activities generally include the following:
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To prevent or control disease, injury or disability
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To report births and deaths
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To report child abuse or neglect
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To report adverse events, reactions to medications, or problems with foods or products
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To notify people of recalls of products they may be using
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To notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition
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To notify the appropriate government authority if we believe a patient has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence; we will only make this disclosure if you agree or when required or authorized by law
Health Oversight Activities
Harper County may disclose health information without your permission to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law. These oversight activities include, for example, audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure. These activities are necessary for the government to monitor the health care system, government programs, licensing functions, and compliance with civil rights laws.
Lawsuits & Disputes
If you are involved in a lawsuit or in a dispute, Harper County may disclose health information about you in response to a court or administrative order. We may also disclose health information about you in response to a court or administrative order even if you are not involved in the lawsuit or dispute.
Health information about you may be disclosed in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested or as otherwise permitted by law.
Law Enforcement
Unless state law is more restrictive than HIPAA with regard to disclosure of certain records, Harper County may release health information if asked to do so by law enforcement officials:
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In response to a court order, subpoena, warrant, summons, or similar process
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To identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person
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About the victim of a crime if, under certain limited circumstances, we are unable to obtain the person's agreement
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In emergency circumstances to report a crime, the location of a crime or victims, or the identity, description, or location of the person who committed the crime
Coroners, Medical Examiners & Funeral Directors
Harper County may release health information to a coroner or medical examiner (e.g., to determine the cause of death).
National Security & Intelligence Activities
Harper County may release health information about you to authorized federal officials for intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities authorized by law.
Inmates
If you are an inmate of a correctional institution or under the custody of a law enforcement official, Harper County may release health information about you to the correctional institution. This release would be necessary:
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For the institution to provide you with health care
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To protect your health and safety or the health and safety of others
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For the safety and security of the correctional institution
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Other Uses & Disclosures
Revoking Previous Permission to Use or to Disclose Your Health Information
Other uses and disclosures of health information not covered by this Notice or the laws that apply to Harper County will be made only with your written permission. For certain disclosures of your information, you must complete an Authorization for Uses and Disclosure of Protected Health Information form and submit it to Harper County.
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If you provide Harper County permission to use or disclose health information about you, you may revoke that permission, in writing, at any time. To revoke any permission already given to Harper County or permission given to us in the future, you must revoke that permission in writing by sending it to a Harper County Privacy Officer.
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If you revoke your permission, Harper County will no longer use or disclose health information about you for the reasons covered by your written authorization. You understand that we are unable to take back any disclosures we have already made with your permission, and that we are required to retain our records of the care that we provided to you.
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Complaints & Changes
If You Have a Complaint Concerning Your Medical Records
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Harper County or with the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). To file a complaint with Harper County or to receive additional information about how to file a complaint with the DHHS, contact a Harper County Privacy Officer.
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All complaints must be submitted in writing. We cannot, and will not, require you to waive the right to file a complaint as a condition of receiving treatment from Harper County. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
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If Changes are Made to This Notice
Harper County reserves the right to change this Notice. Harper County reserves the right to make the revised or changed Notice applicable to health information we already have about you, as well as, any information we receive in the future. Harper County will post a current copy of the Notice in all identified locations. You will find the date the Notice became effective at the top of the first page below the title.
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If a material change is made to the Notice you will be presented with a new version of the Notice of Privacy Practices. You will be asked to sign a new Notice of Privacy Practices Acknowledgement form. In addition, each time you register for services with Harper County, a copy of the current Notice in effect will be given to you if you request it.
EMPOLOYMENT
Harper County EMS Position Requirements
Harper County EMS employees must:
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Be at least 17 years of age
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Provide evidence of high school diploma, or equivalent
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Provide evidence of current Kansas Certification
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Provide evidence of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record
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Effectively communicate in oral and written forms to the extent necessary to perform all job responsibilities
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Have no psychological impairments that would prevent fulfilling their job description
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Manual labor includes carrying equipment and lifting up to 100 lbs. alone and with assistance above 200 pounds
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The ability to climb, crawl, bend, kneel, stoop, twist, reach, fine hand coordination, able to meet acceptable eye requirements, and operate ambulances is required
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Be willing to work any day of the week, as scheduled, including holidays
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Adverse working conditions exist within the position
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Exposure to human blood and body fluid, communicable disease, hazardous chemicals, explosives, asbestos, excessive noise, radiation, heights, work in confined areas, and all types of weather conditions is expected
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Have strong problem solving and decision making skills
The specific statements shown are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.
NUMBERING YOUR HOUSE
It's as Easy as One-Two-Three
Common Directions
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It's a double-wide and you can't miss it. There's usually a van parked outside.
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You'll know you're at the right place if a white dog is sleeping in the driveway.
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It's right next to Miss Annie's. Everyone knows where she lives.
If you're like most people, you've tried to follow directions like this. (You might even have given out directions like this.) You probably missed the double-wide because there were a dozen of them in the neighborhood, or they sold the van last week. Maybe the white dog decided to sleep under the porch that day. Or there were three women called Miss Annie in town.
A delay in finding the right house can be frustrating any time. In an emergency it can be deadly.
Clear Directions
Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars need clear directions to follow. That is the reason behind the 911 numbering system in place in this community. The 911 numbering system assigns a specific address consisting of a unique number and the street name to each home and business. Everyone needs to know their 911 address when they call for help, but just knowing your own address is not enough, you need to display it so that emergency vehicles can find your address in a hurry.
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Each building should have its number posted clearly on the front door, over the doorway, or elsewhere on the front. A number on the mailbox or painted on the curb is fine, but the number must also be posted on the house in an area easily seen from the street. Use large numbers that are easy to read. Four inches is often a good size. Use contrasting colors that show up against the house, and keep trees or shrubs from covering the numbers.
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Lives and property can be saved simply by posting adequate house numbers where emergency personnel can find them. Be sure your house is properly numbered. It's an easy and important step toward making your neighborhood disaster resistant.
EMS BILLING QUESTIONS
In the ever changing world of medical insurance companies and medical billing, we know that you have questions and concerns regarding healthcare costs. We understand that billing related matters may be the farthest thought from your mind in your time of medical illness.
At Harper County EMS, we receive dozens of phone calls everyday from patients like yourself who have questions and concerns regarding our EMS charge for service. We have put together a frequently asked questions and answer sheet that may assist you. LifeTeam now does the billing for Harper County EMS. If you have any other questions, please contact LifeTeam (316) 281-8745. A billing representative is here Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Does Harper County Emergency Medical Service File Insurance?
Yes, we welcome all insurance.
What If the Insurance Information Was Not Given at the Time of Service?
If the information is not obtained during your initial contact with EMS personnel, you will receive a statement of charges from EMS. You may complete the backside of the statement where indicated (remember to sign the document).
We need all pertinent information in order to file your claim correctly:
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Policy number
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Subscriber identification number
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Group number and insured name
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Complete mailing address for the insurance company
How Long Does It Take for My Insurance Company to Pay?
EMS will allow your insurance company four to six weeks to process your ambulance claim. If your claim has not been processed within that time frame, you will need to contact your insurance company to find out the status and report the findings to the EMS business office.
How Much Time Will EMS Allow Me to Pay My Ambulance Bill?
EMS will allow you 90 days after the date of service to pay for your bill. If your bill has not been paid within the 90 days of service or insurance filing, it becomes eligible for a write-off to a collection agency or processed for garnishment.
Why Did My Insurance Company Mail the Check to Me?
Some insurance companies operate through contracts and we are not able to contract with any of those companies except for Medicare / Medicaid, but we will file the claim as a courtesy to the patient. If you have preferred insurance, you may receive the check for your ambulance service, you will need to bring the check to the ambulance service.
Where Should I Mail My Payment?
Harper County EMS
201 N. Jennings
Anthony, Kansas 67003
Phone: 620-842-3506
Can I Make Payments?
Yes, you can make weekly or monthly payments; however, you must be consistent with your payment. If you are unable to make a payment you must call us in advance because your account will be subject to being garnished or sent to a collection agency.
Do You Offer Discounts?
Due to operating below costs we are unable to offer any discounts but we will help you make financial arrangements that will meet your needs.
Does Medicare Pay for Ambulance Transportation?
Yes, when a patient condition is such that the use of any other method of transportation is medically inadvisable. Transportation must be deemed reasonable and medically necessary.
What Does EMS Need Before Medicare Can Be Filed?
EMS must have the patient's authorization on file or the patient's authorized representative, which is located on the back of our statements.
Does Medicare Pay This Service in Full?
No, Medicare will only pay 80% of the approved amount. The patient or their supplemental insurance will be responsible for the balance or co-insurance amount.
What If Medicare Denies My Claim? What Options Do I Have?
Everyone has the option to appeal the claim within six months from the denial date. There are two ways to appeal:
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Medical Necessity form completed by the doctor; and /or
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A letter in writing from the patient
These are to be submitted to Medicare's Appeal Department.
Does EMS File Supplemental Insurance?
Yes, when giving your Medicare information please let the representative know that you have a supplemental insurance policy as well. Also, provide us with your supplemental policy information such as policy number, group number, and the mailing address.
What Is the Garnishment Process?
Accounts are held for 90 days without any activity; once the account reaches day 91 or more, then the account becomes eligible for garnishment.
How Can I Stop the Garnishment Process Once Begun?
The account must be paid in full.
What If I Do Not Have Insurance?
We will gladly work with you in setting up a payment schedule.