05/27/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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$100 and the rate increases to $110. Mr. Leonard responded that the patient is responsible or MSI could charge it off. Mr. Obie said if the increase was denied now, it seems the patient would be jeoparized more than the firm. Mr. Leonard responded that that is correct 4It according to the way Medicare operates. Mr. Delay asked whether, if the council failed to provide an interim adjustment, that would keep the firm from providing emergency service in the next 60 to 90 days. Mr. Leonard responded that they could continue to lose money based on their projections. Their accounts receivable have gone out to 120 or 150 days and that is not a projec- tion. Mr. Delay asked if it would or would not affect services. Mr. Leonard responded that they need the rate increase now to be approved effective July 1 to do what they are now doing and that they should have asked for the increase sooner. Mr. Haws stated the decision should be based on how to best provide medical care at a reasonable rate, not on whether or not Medical Services, Inc. is going to stay in business. The City probably needs to investigate rates as indicated by the testimony from the citizenry. He has heard enough testimony to warrant an investigation but has not heard enough testimony to justify a rate increase. He feels the council should ,wait until the study is completed and will vote against the increase. In response to Mr. Lieuallen's question regarding the status of ambulance service under the code, Mr. Long stated that it is a licensed activity rather than a franchise; but in order for someone to operate as a licensee, the council must decide additional need exist. e Ms. Smith stated she supports Mr. Haws' comments. The study was to look at rates and other issues like the level of service. She feels Dr. Dickenson's offer is an important one. She would like to delay action on the rate increase until the study is completed. Mr. Delay stated other issues have not been addressed at this meeting. The critical item in the community is health and welfare projection and delivery of emergency medical care. Some questions have been dodged they should not have been and by looking only at the rate increase that will not be answered. They also need to look at the rate structure (how it should be set up) and at the service level. The council must keep its ear to the ground to ensure that circumstances do not develop that would prevent quality emergency medical care. The question is whether MSI's ability to provide services might be jeopar- dized by not allowing the rate increase. Mr. Delay understood Mr. Leonard to say that his business would be in trouble and that he might not be able to provide services to the public if he were denied the increase. The council must not take any steps that would harm the 5/27/80--12 .