Agenda - 10-20-2009 - 6f - Laserfiche WebLink

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the use of a Deputy Collector. The increased demand has placed an excessive burden on all staff within the Revenue office. During Summer 2009, staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) through the Asset Management and Purchasing Department for the outsourcing of the claims management and billing for Ambulance Service transports. After ensuring all applicable requirements were followed, staff recommends EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. as the vendor of choice. It is worth noting that this company is not a licensed collection agency but is a claims management company specializing in EMS Ambulance Service Billing only. EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. has been in business since 1996 and its reputation proceeds it in the ambulance service billing arena. EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. currently handles the ambulance billing for 40-plus counties within the State of North Carolina. (See Attachment 2) Additionally, the company has a number of private ambulance service clients within the State and has an extensive process in place with dedicated staff to research front end eligibility and verification of patient information. All claims initially filed are paid on an 85% success rate. There is also an extensive appeal and research process for the public. The company's process is currently allowing an ultimate return of payment of 97% for Medicare, 94% for Medicaid, and 79% for commercial insurance claims filed on behalf of existing clients. Staff recommends outsourcing the initial invoicing and insurance claim process which will free up the equivalent of .75 FTE to redirect the work on delinquent collections. This will result in an anticipated additional $150,000 in annual revenue collections. The current full-time staff member (1.0 FTE) will work as the liaison between Orange County Emergency Services and the vendor. This staff member will also work with clients who do not have insurance to establish ways by which restitution may be attained. EMS Management and Consultants, Inc. has been fully vetted concerning the expectations, policies and procedures currently in place through the Revenue Department. The company is aware of the EMS Assistance Program availability and agrees that anyone qualifying for this program will be immediately directed to Orange County staff for individual handling with no cost to the County. Estimated annual costs to outsource this operation is $195,240, which represents direct personnel costs, administrative overhead costs, operational costs, and contract costs. With the anticipated additional annual revenue of $150,000 in delinquent collections, the net County costs for this operation is estimated at $45,240. (See detailed table below):