Volunteer squads billing patients

[EMT*IVgrl0107]

HI well I do not think with the way the Healthcare system is today that patients should be billed twice!! It is crazy if someone wants to VOLUNTEER their time to help others all well and fine but patients should not have to end up paying double for no reason.

[kyle308]

Many moons ago when I was affiliated with a volunteer agency, we used to bill their insurance. Whatever the insurance paid thats what we accepted. If insurance denied, oh well. The residents loved us for that and it actually helped increase donations at our fundraisers because some that we transported decided they could afford a little something out of pocket. They also new we were serving the residents with no insurance without requiring payment. During transport or afterwards, whenever it is most appropriate, we would ensure the patient was fully aware we were volunteer, they would not recieve a bill, we would charge their insurance only, if they didnt have any not to worry and finally if they wanted to send us anything, even 5 dollars..here is the address to remit funds to.

This worked out great and it sustained the squad for many years.

that right there is excactly how my servie works.