05/27/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e on June 1 or 15 and more charges are at a higher rate, then a hiqher rate will prevail. This is determined on a fiscal year basis. Mayor Keller noted that this public hearing is to consider the interim rate adjustment only. Public hearing was opened. Speaking in favor of the rate increase: Michael Jarvill, Attorney for MSI, 96 East Broadway, Suite 5, stated his purpose at the hearing was to justify the rate increase with statistical data and to answer questions. It has been 21 months since the last rate increase was granted. The Touche-Ross study will not be available until July. This should be a temporary increase from now until licensing is considered. Inflation and the general economy have a great impact on MSIls cash flow. e Wilfred H. Leonard, President of MSI, 2100 West 11th, stated it is true they use prevailing rates for Medicare charges, but those charges are always 12 to 15 months behind what the current charges are. The rates that are in effect July 1 will come into effect for their receipt of money one year later. He noted some of their rates for ancillary services are down. He passed out information supporting this to the council. He said that 21 months ago, Councilor Delay recommended a study and he agreed to not ask for an increase until the study was completed. But the study has been delayed and has taken longer to complete than anticipated. They are asking for a 23.7-percent increase. Buck Ambulance Service in Portland raised their base rate to $95 and mileage rate to $3.50 per mile, and they are now going to $104 for their base rate and $4.50 per mile; Care Ambulance in Portland charges $102.50 base rate and $4 per mile. He distributed statistics to this effect to council. He noted that MSI has not been a profitable enterprise in the past six months. He hopes the interim rate increase is approved. Other comments: Dr. John Mackey, emergency physician at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital, stated grave concerns about the ability of Medical Services, Inc. to provide emergency services and felt the rate increase should be delayed until a public forum is held on the current concerns. Speaking against the rate increase: Dr. Carl Yaeger, 1200 Alder, Medical Director of Sacred Heart Nur- sery, is against the rate increase. He is involved with emergency care of neonates (newborns) and MSI, with a few exceptions, has provided excellent service for those needs. His concerns are about the rates, which are much higher than any others in the state, and he has reservations about the need to increase rates. He directed some questions to Mr. Leonard regarding the mileage charge, for which MSI charges round trip and other ambulance companies charge only one way. He distributed copies of a comparison rate study to the councilors. - 5/27/80--3