So if I use the ambulance, what can I expect in the way of billing?
Fortunately, the majority of our patients have some type of health insurance. The majority of these health plans have provisions to pay for ambulance service.
When we provide service, once at the hospital our staff will attempt to get your health insurance information and also ask you to sign a form to allow us to share your information with your insurance company.
Due to the complex and ever changing Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance regulations and procedures, we contract with Cor-
nerstone Adminisystems, located in New Cumberland, PA. If you receive any billing correspondence from us, it most likely has originated from our Ambulance Billing Office on our behalf. If you are unable to provide your insurance information at the time we provide service, our billing office will send you an insurance questionnaire in the mail.
Once your insurance information is received, our billing office will take the necessary steps to file a claim with your insurance carrier. Depending on the insurance you have, you may receive a Billing Statement from us when this part of the process occurs. This Billing Statement is NOT a bill. If you have any co-pay, or other financial responsibility, we will send a Billing Invoice. This form should be used to pay your portion of the bill.
In some cases, you may receive a check from your insurance company for the service we have provided, instead of the check being sent directly to us. If this should occur, please endorse the check, payable to Canandaigua Emergency Squad, and forward it to us immediately.
When we provide service, once at the hospital our staff will attempt to get your health insurance information and also ask you to sign a form to allow us to share your information with your insurance company.
Due to the complex and ever changing Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Insurance regulations and procedures, we contract with Cor-
nerstone Adminisystems, located in New Cumberland, PA. If you receive any billing correspondence from us, it most likely has originated from our Ambulance Billing Office on our behalf. If you are unable to provide your insurance information at the time we provide service, our billing office will send you an insurance questionnaire in the mail.
Once your insurance information is received, our billing office will take the necessary steps to file a claim with your insurance carrier. Depending on the insurance you have, you may receive a Billing Statement from us when this part of the process occurs. This Billing Statement is NOT a bill. If you have any co-pay, or other financial responsibility, we will send a Billing Invoice. This form should be used to pay your portion of the bill.
In some cases, you may receive a check from your insurance company for the service we have provided, instead of the check being sent directly to us. If this should occur, please endorse the check, payable to Canandaigua Emergency Squad, and forward it to us immediately.
not-for-profit
Since 1940, Canandaigua Emergency Squad has been serving the community as a charitable based organiza- tion. We are recognized by both the Federal and State government as a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, corporation. As such, we are able to solicit and receive TAX DEDUCTIBLE donations. For many years, this funding alone was sufficient to cover the costs associated with our operation.
Changes in care
When Canandaigua Emergency Squad began in 1940, an ambulance was nothing more than a vehicle to transport a sick or injured person to the hospital. If the person was suffering a serious or life-threatening condition, the speed of the ride was the only care we could provide.
Care in Emergency Medicine has changed significantly since 1940. Today, we provide Paramedic level care. Our Paramedics are able to administer lifesaving medications, perform surgical procedures, and provide Advance Life Support before even loading a patient into the ambulance.
Care in Emergency Medicine has changed significantly since 1940. Today, we provide Paramedic level care. Our Paramedics are able to administer lifesaving medications, perform surgical procedures, and provide Advance Life Support before even loading a patient into the ambulance.
costs
With the significant growth in levels of care we are able to deliver, advances in vehicle and medical equipment technology, and increases in training requirements, there have been associated increases in costs. As an example, in 1940 the cost for a new fully equipped
ambulance was about $4,500. Today, a new “mobile treatment room”, or modern ambulance, can cost over $200,000.
In addition, the cost of training has increased significantly as medical standards have grown. We have also moved from a completely volunteer staffed agency, to hiring a core of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics to fill the need when volunteers are not available.
ambulance was about $4,500. Today, a new “mobile treatment room”, or modern ambulance, can cost over $200,000.
In addition, the cost of training has increased significantly as medical standards have grown. We have also moved from a completely volunteer staffed agency, to hiring a core of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics to fill the need when volunteers are not available.
What about my property taxes, don't they cover the cost?
Canandaigua Emergency Squad is a completely independent not-for-profit corporation. We do not receive any funding through property taxes or municipal funding. We operate entirely on the funds we generate through billing for our service and with community donations we are able to raise.
But aren't you apart of the hospital?
Likewise, some of the community associates us as being a part of the local hospital system. Although we have a very strong working relationship with everyone in the local hospital system, we are not associated with, nor are we part of that system.
Why is my bill so high?
The majority of patients we provide service to are not in a life-threatening situation. The majority are in need of medical care, but their life does not depend on it immediately. So why is it that it seems to cost so much?
It is important to remember that we have to be prepared to respond 24 hours per day, 365 days a year to all levels of emergencies. When you get a bill from us it covers not just the service we provided to you, it also covers the costs we incur making sure we are here to respond when you need us, any time of day or night. If you have financial issues with the bill, we also consider hardship reductions. Form can be found on our website to submit for review.
It is important to remember that we have to be prepared to respond 24 hours per day, 365 days a year to all levels of emergencies. When you get a bill from us it covers not just the service we provided to you, it also covers the costs we incur making sure we are here to respond when you need us, any time of day or night. If you have financial issues with the bill, we also consider hardship reductions. Form can be found on our website to submit for review.
Who can i contact for more information
If you have any questions about our billing practice, a bill you have received, or any other questions about our service, please contact us. Our contact information is shown below.
Option 1)
Phone: 585-394-5860
BILLING QUESTIONS - 877-214-6018
Option 2)
Fill out this online form
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: We ask that you refrain from adding any sensitive information such as patient name, date of birth, address, payment information, or social security number. Once your inquiry is received, our billing representative will contact you by the email or phone number that you have provided.
Option 3)
Stop by during normal business hours to speak to our billing representative.
233 North Pearl St, Canandaigua
Please note that on occasion there may not be a representative on site, we recommend that you call first.
Option 1)
Phone: 585-394-5860
BILLING QUESTIONS - 877-214-6018
Option 2)
Fill out this online form
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: We ask that you refrain from adding any sensitive information such as patient name, date of birth, address, payment information, or social security number. Once your inquiry is received, our billing representative will contact you by the email or phone number that you have provided.
Option 3)
Stop by during normal business hours to speak to our billing representative.
233 North Pearl St, Canandaigua
Please note that on occasion there may not be a representative on site, we recommend that you call first.