§ 4-34. Rates and charges.

(a)

Each ambulance provider charging a fee for their services shall submit a schedule of rates to the county for approval and shall not charge more than the approved rates without specific approval by the county.

(b)

No ambulance provider shall attempt to collect rates on emergency calls until the patient has reached the point of destination, has received medical attention and is in a condition deemed by the physician fit to consult with the ambulance provider, but such provider may attempt to collect rates with family or guardian of the patient once the patient is in the process of receiving medical attention.

(c)

On non-emergency calls, or calls where a person requires transportation to a non-emergency medical facility, attempts to collect payment can be made before the ambulance begins its trip.

(d)

Volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, or private companies who transport their members or employees at no cost shall furnish a copy of trip record forms to the county monthly for statistical purposes. The transport record form (North Carolina standard PreMIS) should be flagged as a "paid member" or "employee" - "no billing". This will result in no bill being initiated by the county.

(e)

Volunteer fire departments, rescue squads or private companies who transport patients as a backup for county EMS shall be reimbursed for their costs of providing such service by payment of seventy-five (75) percent of any fees collected by the county for these trips.

(Ord. of 5-5-03, § 9; Amend. of 12-7-09, § 9.5)