 | Shoreline |
The state of California recently enacted a new law that addresses an all-too-common problem – surprise ambulance bills. Many people, following a medical emergency, find themselves faced with exorbitant out-of-network ambulance bills. This new law, effective January 1, 2024, aims to alleviate this burden.
In essence, the law stipulates that patients who receive emergency ambulance services cannot be billed more than their insurance's in-network rate, regardless of the ambulance provider's network status. This is a significant change, and for ambulance service providers, it's important to understand the implications and prepare accordingly.
So, what does this mean for your ambulance company?
First and foremost, your billing procedures need to be updated. The law mandates that all bills issued to a patient for out-of-network emergency ambulance services should not exceed the in-network cost-sharing amount the patient's insurer has defined. Thus, it's critical to adjust your billing systems to comply with this new requirement.
Secondly, you should anticipate changes in your revenue stream. Since patients will no longer bear the brunt of out-of-network costs, these costs may need to be negotiated with insurance providers directly. This might result in more protracted and complex negotiations, potentially affecting your cash flow.
Lastly, the new law emphasizes the need for transparency in medical billing. Ambulance service providers are required to provide patients with clear, concise billing statements, outlining the cost of services provided and the rationale for these costs.
For many ambulance companies, these changes can seem daunting. The complexities of medical billing are only amplified by this new law. However, there is help available.
At Shoreline, we specialize in navigating the intricacies of medical billing so that you can focus on what you do best – saving lives. Our expert team is ready to help your company adapt to this new legislation, ensuring your billing processes are compliant, efficient, and patient-friendly.
Don’t face these changes alone. Contact Shoreline Medical Billing today. Let us handle the billing, so you can handle the healing.
Contact Shoreline Medical Billing today!