Billing/Payment Information

At SMH we strive to provide transparency and educate our partners and/or patients we have the privilege of serving when it comes to transportation invoicing.

The horrific stories that facilities or patients have experienced is not a practice we follow and that is why our billing department has developed a track like to call “Life of a Claim”.

In this ever-changing medical billing climate, insurance companies are making it more difficult to join their networks or for providers to request prior authorization in order to exercise medical benefits. SMH is not in-network with everyone because there is no need to be.

There are certain insurance companies that do not allow new vendor members to join, rather base the EMS transport on medical necessity. For example, if medical necessity exists based on the history and physical (H and P) or Physician Certification Statement (PCS) on the patient then the process is to submit the claim, and then the insurance carrier will reimburse (i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shield).

Another important task that is critical in this process is insurance verification. This stage is important to be diligent in gathering patient demographics and proper information upfront to verify the correct insurance information, confirm transportation coverage exists (Part B), and if prior authorization is needed for submission.

When we are verifying insurances, we are confirming that Part B exists because that is where our EMS is categorized. This allows us to invoice the appropriate party timely and be transparent with the patient or facility we are in contract with.

As mentioned earlier, prior authorizations are another factor in this process. Since Managed Care Organizations (MCO) came into full effect in Texas in 2015, the process has been very convoluted. Therefore, our billing team has dedicated a department for this matter to simplify and educate our partners and patients because insurance companies have prohibited EMS providers in submitting authorizations.

SMH has developed a process to educate and assist our partners/patients on the necessary steps to submit a successful authorization through our countless hours on the phone speaking with insurance carries and continuously educating ourselves on the constant changes with MCOs.

Currently, we provide routine “how-to” sessions for all that fall into this category and assist step by step with submissions of prior authorizations. We wish these processes were etched in stone, unfortunately, the MCOs change their forms and submission process annually, resulting in our team having to stay ahead of the curve and disseminating this information to all.

210.852.0550 | Payroll | Timekeeping

Paratransit Specialist

The Care Cab Driver provides transportation services for contracted facilities with patients requiring specialty care cab services. Use of a van that’s equipped with a lift and Q Straint to secure a wheelchair, the Care Cab Driver wheels the patient to the van, safely raises the patient into the van on the lift, secures the patient’s wheelchair and transports the patient to their destination. Upon arriving at the destination, the Care Cab Driver detaches the wheelchair security device, safely lowers the patient out of the van using the lift and wheels the patient to their destination.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Transport/drive patients to and from medical facilities and/or home in a timely manner.
Utilize GPS to locate hospitals, medical facilities, and patient home addresses.
Ensure wheelchair van is maintained and is in good working order.
Know and use Standard Codes in radio transmission.
Responsible for completing mechanical checklist for vehicle at the start of each shift.
Report mechanical problems to supervisor.
Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Positive upbeat attitude, enthusiastic and compassionate.
Strong time management and customer service skills.
Attention to detail.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
One (1) year of relevant experience.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Clean driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Employee is required to stand, walk, use hands or fingers, reach with hands and arms, feel, see, talk and hear. Employee will occasionally assist to lift and / or transfer patients weighing between 100 to 250 pounds. Employee is occasionally exposed to blood or other body fluids, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. In compliance with applicable law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions for the position.

Paramedic

The Paramedic is responsible for responding to emergency medical calls, providing on-site aid, and transporting patients safely to medical facilities.

Responsibilities:

– Administer emergency medical care and first aid

– Safe Ambulance operation to locations as directed

– Coordinate with first responders and medical staff

– Assess and prioritize patient treatment

– Immobilize and transport patients safely

– Operate life support and diagnostic equipment

– Maintain documentation and reports (ePCR software)

– Sanitize ambulance and equipment post-transport

– Maintain vehicle and notify of equipment malfunctions

– Adhere to medical protocols, health, and safety standards

– Continuous training and skill enhancement

Competencies:

– Calm and decisive in adverse conditions

– Adaptable with strong focus in clinical acuity

– Proficient in medical equipment use

– Compassionate, with strong critical thinking

– Excellent communication skills

Requirements:

– High school diploma or GED

– Texas EMT Paramedic certification

– ACLS and BLS certifications

– PALS certification within 90 days of hire

– Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Physical Demands:

– Lift/carry up to 150 pounds (300 with assistance)

– Bend, stoop, climb, and crawl across uneven terrain

– Handle high-stress situations with flashing lights, loud noises, extreme temperatures, low light, or confined spaces

EMT-Basic

The Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) responds to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and to transport the patient to a medical facility. After receiving the call from the dispatcher, the EMT-B or other crew member drives the ambulance to address or location given, using the most expeditious route, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The EMT-B must observe traffic ordinances and regulations concerning emergency vehicle operation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Upon arrival at the scene of injured or illness, renders emergency medical and or trauma care to adults, children and infants based on assessment findings:

Opening and maintaining an airway
Ventilating patients
Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators.
Provides prehospital emergency medical care of simple multiple system trauma such as:
- Controlling hemorrhage;
- Treatment of shock (hypo perfusion);
- Bandaging wounds;
- Immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed extremities; and
- Immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed neck or spine.

Providing emergency medical care to:

Assist in emergency childbirth.
Manage general medical complaints of altered mental status, respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic reaction, seizures, poisoning behavioral emergencies, environmental emergencies, and psychological crises. Additional care is provided based upon assessment of the patient and obtaining historical information.
Searching for medical identification emblems as a guide to appropriate emergency medical care.
Assisting patients with prescribed medications, including sublingual nitroglycerin, epinephrine autoinjectors and hand-held aerosol inhalers.
Administration of oxygen, oral glucose and activated charcoal.
Reassuring patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner.
Avoiding mishandling and undue haste while working expeditiously to accomplish the task.

Where a patient must be extricated from entrapment, the EMT-B assesses the extent of injury, gives all possible emergency care and protection to the entrapped patient, and uses the prescribed techniques and appliances for safely removing the patient. If needed, the EMT-B radios the dispatcher for additional help or special rescue and/or utility services. Provides simple rescue service if the ambulance has not been accompanied by a specialized unit. After extrication, provides additional care in triaging the injured in accordance with standard emergency procedures. The EMT-B is responsible for:

Lifting the stretcher (be able to lift and carry 125 pounds).
Placing it in the ambulance and seeing that the patient and stretcher are secured.
Continuing emergency medical care while EnRoute to the medical facility.
Constantly assesses the patient EnRoute to the emergency facility, administers additional care as indicated or directed by medical control.
Assists in lifting and carrying the patient out of the ambulance and into the receiving medical facility.
Reports verbally and in writing, their observation and emergency medical care of the patient at the emergency scene and in transit, to the receiving medical facility staff for purposes of records and diagnostics.
Upon request aids the receiving medical facility staff.

After each call, the EMT-B with assistance from other crew member

Restocks and replaces used linens, blankets and other supplies.
Cleans all equipment following appropriate disinfecting procedures.
Makes careful check of all equipment so that the ambulance is ready for the next run.
Maintains ambulance in efficient operating condition.
Ensures that the ambulance is clean and washed and kept in a neat orderly condition.
In accordance with local, state or federal regulations, decontaminates the interior of the vehicle after transport of patient with contagious infection or hazardous materials exposure.

COMPETENCIES

Functions in uncommon situations.
Has a basic understanding of stress response and methods to ensure personal well-being.
Understands body substance insolation.
Understands basic medical legal principles.
Functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional and local regulatory agencies.
Complies with regulations on the handling of the deceased, notifies authorities and arranges for protection of property and evidence at the scene.
Outstanding communication skills.
Excellent people skills.
Physically strong, agile and dexterous.
Professional manner and appearance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
Current EMT certification/license in the state of Texas.
One (1) year of experience in an emergency care setting preferred.
Current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification.
Maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while working in a stressful environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess the ability to lift, carry and balance 150 pounds (300 pounds with assistance).
Must be able to bend, stoop, climb steps or crawl across uneven terrain in a timely manner.
Must be able to work in high stress situations in which you might encounter:
- Environments with flashing lights and loud noises.
- Conditions such as extreme cold or heat.
- Places with low levels of light or confined spaces.

Advanced EMT

The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) functions as a primary care provider in the pre-hospital setting and is responsible for all aspects of care provided to the sick and injured. The AEMT provides basic life support, including patient assessment, airway management, and use of the automatic defibrillator. The AEMT is responsible for driving the ambulance in a safe manner and must have a thorough knowledge of the street, highway and addressing system. An AEMT will assume a support role and work under the direction of a Paramedic.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Upon arrival at the scene of crash or illness, renders emergency medical and or trauma care to adults, children and infants based on assessment findings:

Opening and maintaining an airway.
Ventilating patients.
Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators.
Provides prehospital emergency medical care of simple multiple system trauma such as:
- Controlling hemorrhage;
- Treatment of shock (hypo perfusion);
- Bandaging wounds;
- Immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed extremities; and
- Immobilization of painful, swollen, or deformed neck or spine.

Providing emergency medical care to:

Assist in emergency childbirth.
Manage general medical complaints of altered mental status, respiratory, cardiac, diabetic, allergic reaction, seizures, poisoning behavioral emergencies, environmental emergencies, and psychological crises. Additional care is provided based upon assessment of the patient and obtaining historical information.
Searching for medical identification emblems as a guide to appropriate emergency medical care.
Assisting patients with prescribed medications, including sublingual nitroglycerin, epinephrine autoinjectors and hand-held aerosol inhalers.
Administration of oxygen, oral glucose and activated charcoal.
Reassuring patients and bystanders by working in a confident, efficient manner.
Avoiding mishandling and undue haste while working expeditiously to accomplish the task.

Where a patient must be extricated from entrapment, the AEMT assesses the extent of injury, gives all possible emergency care and protection to the entrapped patient, and uses the prescribed techniques and appliances for safely removing the patient. If needed, the AEMT radios the dispatcher for additional help or special rescue and/or utility services. Provides simple rescue service if the ambulance has not been accompanied by a specialized unit. After extrication, provides additional care in triaging the injured in accordance with standard emergency procedures. The AEMT is responsible for:

Lifting the stretcher (be able to lift and carry 125 pounds).
Placing it in the ambulance and seeing that the patient and stretcher are secured.
Continuing emergency medical care while enroute to the medical facility.
Constantly assesses the patient enroute to the emergency facility, administers additional care as indicated or directed by medical control.
Assists in lifting and carrying the patient out of the ambulance and into the receiving medical facility.
Reports verbally and in writing, their observation and emergency medical care of the patient at the emergency scene and in transit, to the receiving medical facility staff for purposes of records and diagnostics.
Upon request provides assistance to the receiving medical facility staff.
Administer medication, as well as intravenous fluids to patients as needed.
Recognizes the need for special or additional assistance, including Advanced Life Support, ambulance transport, or aero-medical transport.

After each call, the EMT-A with assistance from other crew member

Restocks and replaces used linens, blankets and other supplies.
Cleans all equipment following appropriate disinfecting procedures.
Makes careful check of all equipment so that the ambulance is ready for the next run.
Maintains ambulance in efficient operating condition.
Ensures that the ambulance is clean and washed and kept in a neat orderly condition.
In accordance with local, state or federal regulations, decontaminates the interior of the vehicle after transport of patient with contagious infection or hazardous materials exposure.

COMPETENCIES

Must be confident and accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in this position.
Must have excellent judgment, be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient.
Must be able to function at an optimum level in a non-structured, and often difficult environment that is constantly changing. Must possess critical reasoning skills.
Must possess excellent verbal communication skills and be able to follow orders with exactness from their supervisors.
Must trust their training and skills and be capable of applying them effectively in stressful situations.
Functions within the scope of care as defined by state, regional and local regulatory agencies.
Maintain knowledge about job and medical field.
Outstanding communication skills.
Excellent people skills.
Physically strong, agile and dexterous.
Professional manner and appearance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Provides guidance as needed to the Emergency Medical Technician – Basic.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
Current EMT certification/license in the state of Texas.
Current Healthcare Provider level CPR certification.
Maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to read and interpret all required documents and write required reports and correspondence.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while working in a stressful environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess the ability to lift, carry and balance 100 pounds (200 pounds with assistance).
Must be able to bend, stoop, climb steps or crawl across uneven terrain in a timely manner.
Must be able to work in high stress situations in which you might encounter:
- Environments with flashing lights and loud noises.
- Conditions such as extreme cold or heat.
- Places with low levels of light or confined spaces.