EMS Revenue Recovery
The Blacksburg Town Council has adopted an ordinance (Ordinance 2030) establishing an EMS Revenue Recovery Program. The Town of Christiansburg has been doing this since 2013, and Montgomery County started its program earlier this year. Blacksburg is one of the only localities in the state that does not yet participate in revenue recovery for medical transport.
Most patients transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have public or private health insurance that provides coverage for EMS transport. This program seeks to utilize that existing health insurance coverage to offset some of the expenses of EMS service.
The funds generated by this program will be reinvested into Emergency Medical Services within Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg. These funds will help offset operating and capital costs to support providing high-quality pre-hospital emergency medical services throughout our community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is EMS Revenue Recovery?
An EMS Revenue Recovery program obtains reimbursement for emergency medical transport costs from insurance providers. Medicaid, Medicare, and most other insurance policies provide standard coverage for this service.
Will I be billed for EMS transport services?
No, your private insurance provider, Medicare, or Medicaid will be billed. Blacksburg and Montgomery County residents will not receive a bill or be expected to pay anything out-of-pocket. Non-residents will receive a bill for any amounts not covered by insurance.
Why is it different for NON-residents?
While over 90% of the patients transported by Blacksburg Rescue are considered residents, we occasionally transport non-residents. Regulations do not allow the Town to waive insurance copays for non-residents because they do not pay local property taxes. Since residents pay taxes that help fund EMS, their tax contributions are considered to be inclusive of EMS copays.
Why is the Town of Blacksburg doing this now?
For many years, the Town could operate without the need for EMS Revenue Recovery for ambulance transport. Population growth and expansion have led to a significant increase in service demand in recent years. The time and costs associated with training and certifications and the level and scope of services these agencies provide have also increased. This, coupled with inflation over the past several years, has dramatically increased capital and operational expenses. EMS Revenue Recovery will help offset these expenses.
Will I be asked to provide my insurance information before being transported?
No, the person being transported will never be asked about insurance coverage or to provide documentation of coverage. If coverage exists, the EMS Revenue Recovery vendor will work with the hospital to obtain that information.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover the full expense of the service?
Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance policies provide standard coverage for ambulance services. Montgomery County residents, including Blacksburg residents, will not be expected to pay anything out-of-pocket, and copays will be waived. Non-residents will receive a bill for any amounts not covered by insurance.
My insurance company sent me an explanation of benefits (EOB) that says I will be responsible for part of this bill. Is that correct?
An explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance company is their way of showing you what they will cover and what you may be asked to pay. The Town of Blacksburg has no control over whether they send you this, but it is not a bill or invoice, and you are not expected to pay anything based on an EOB.
What happens if the ambulance comes, but I don’t get transported to the hospital?
Your insurance company would only receive a bill if you were taken to the hospital. If you call for emergency services but are not transported by ambulance, neither you nor your insurance company will receive a bill.
Does this cover other ambulance services or just Blacksburg Rescue?
Ordinance 2030 is specific to the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities may utilize a private ambulance or medical transport provider for non-emergent transports such as trips to the doctor, dialysis, trips between facilities, or hospital discharges. Private ambulance or medical transport providers would not be covered by Ordinance 2030.
When will this go into effect?
Ordinance 2030 will become effective on January 1, 2025.
Most importantly, no one will ever be denied EMS treatment or transport based on their insurance or ability to pay. During an emergency, the Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad wants you to call 911 without hesitation.
Rates
The Town of Blacksburg has adopted a fee of 170% of the Medicare allowable rates for emergency transport services. These rates are the same rates used by the Town of Christiansburg and Montgomery County.
| Services | Medicare Rate | Town/County Rate (170%) |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | $439.64 | $747.39 |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) 1 | $522.08 | $887.54 |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) 2 | $755.64 | $1,284.59 |
| Mileage (transport, per mile) | $8.94 | $15.20 |
*Rates as of 11/1/2024. For current rates, visit https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-schedules/ambulance
Questions about your account
EMS|MC is the Revenue Recovery vendor for Blacksburg Rescue. They are able to handle most billing issues and we encourage you to start there.
Contact Patient Services
By Phone: 1-800-814-5339 | Monday - Friday | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Online: www.emsbilling.com/patient
By Mail: Montgomery County Fire-EMS, P.O. Box 429, Lewisville, NC 27023-0429
If EMS|MC is not able to help or you have a general question and need to speak to someone at Blacksburg Rescue, you can contact us at by email or give us a call at 540-443-1630.