Pennsylvania hospitals pilot program to pay EMS for select non-transport calls to reduce ED visits

A Pittsburgh-based non-profit medical system is piloting a program to reimburse ambulance companies for certain calls where patients aren’t taken to hospitals as part of a new "treat-and-release" program. As part of the pilot, a non-profit health insurer will contract with and reimburse EMS for treating patients who have low blood sugar, asthma attacks and seizure disorders, without the requirement of being taken to an emergency department. The goal is to reduce unnecessary ED visits, improve patient experience, decrease healthcare costs and ensure that ambulance services are paid fairly and members receive appropriate care.