I voted no and ill tell you why. For those that believe all new medic programs should be at the BS level, who do you think is going to hire these people and pay higher wages?
As much as I detest the business side of EMS, it is a reality. And with healthcare costs skyrocketing and with no increase in accounts receivable where is the money going to come from.
The reality of it being who in there right mind is going to pay more for a higher educated Paramedic, when you can hire a lower educated paramedic for a MUCH lower wage. Until every currently licensed paramedic upgrades to BS level there will always be just "medics" that will do the exact same jobs for lower pay. Especially if there is no expanded scope of practice for the higher educated medics.
Now on the other hand, I totally think the more educated any health care professional is the better. I originally was planning on becoming an RN and completed all my pre-requisite work and applied. 2 months ago after being on the wait list here in california for 3.5 years, i turned down the program when my number came up. Like the T-Shirt say "why be an RN when i can just think for myself and not have to ask for permission for something i can do on my own". Still, i will continue my studies with anything and everything having to do with patient care and hopefully someday actually have the time to complete my BS in physiology.
Until EMS has a strong lobby at the Washington level we will always be the redheaded :censored::censored::censored::censored::censored::censored::censored: children of medicine. And i don't believe just because we have policed our own and required higher education is this going to increase reimbursement from insurance companies or federal/state programs IE: medicare/medical. And i would challenge ANYONE to come up with documented information to the contrary of this.
Corky
You appear ignorant upon the health industry and especially nursing. Really, what are you going to do with a minor in physiology, when even to teach such usually requires a graduate or PhD? Yeah its your choice. Personally, I don't have to ask to do anything as RN any more than I do as a Paramedic, and yes I have standing orders on both. It's the same for both profession.
Right now I am preparing to discuss a 4 year program for EMS associating with a Medical School. One completes the Paramedic in 2 yrs with additional education and focusing either upon three divisions. Administration, Education or as a Paramedic Practitioner.
With EMS being a business we need educated Paramedics that have an understanding of the business. With accreditation, we need truly educators not instructors, and yes one could complete pre-med with emphasis upon being upon advanced assessment and broaden treatment as an Advanced Paramedic. Such programs are being piloted and performed now in some states, and yes insurance payers much rather pay a $500 bill than a $3000 ER bill. Limited, maybe but not all patients need to be an ER. Again law of physics of the cheaper version wins. With the pre-med the person can have the option of medical school or P.A. tract. All areas can continue to graduate or further.
Who is going to pay for a 4 year? Simple. Those that realize that a 4 yr educated Paramedic brings in twice as much money to their EMS in just half of the time. Medicare will gladly reimburse for a quarter of the costs of a transport and ER visit. As well this will decrease admissions or unecessary trips to the ER. No wear or tear on EMS units, single personal, low maintenance with high percentage of reimbursement ratios. Again, Medicare, BC/BS much rather pay for a single visit than an EMS unit, ER and then an EMS return for a simple skin tear or head lacc. Even with the increasing technology cardiac will be tx differently. For example, I replaced a foley cath instead of transporting.. Medicare was delighted to recieve a $200 bill instead of a $800 EMS bill and another $1000 ER bill. Simple logistics..
Sure many maybe considered as home visits, even scheduled but guaranteed money is better than running ambulance on gang bangers that have no money or insurance coverage in a financial reality.
It's not if.. its just when . Again, it is already here and being tried with success.. AAA already has been working with Medicare for years for consultation fees. Again, something that those within the higher ups have been discussing for a long time. Ambulance jocks can continue making lights and sirens, picking up non-insured MVC's and stabbings.. or one could be performing XII lead diagnostic, lab draws, F/U for PCP's and be working an 8 hour shift with twice the money.
You want documentation. That's easy check out AAA reimbursement request in comparison to those of flight services. Wonder why, HEMS was given four times reimbursement? Simple.. Professional services requires professional personnel.. something ground units does not require.
There are lots of info on research.. just lit research it.
R/r911
