The total charges shall be the sum of the appropriate base rate plus the mileage rate
applied to the distance actually traveled, plus the time rate applied to requested
waiting or standby time, plus any special charges which apply. Ground ambulance operators
who choose to use computer-based mileage calculations to provide consistency in mileage
billing in lieu of the distance recorded by the ambulance vehicle driver, shall request
authorization from the local EMS agency prior to implementation of such a program.
As part of the authorization process, the operator shall provide the local EMS agency
with a quality assurance program that details the operator's plan for periodic reviews
of both the computer mileage assisted calculations and the data entry process to insure
that the patient is not overcharged. The local EMS agency will approve or reject use
of a computer-based mileage calculation program within 30 days of receipt of a request
for approval. All rates, including computer-based mileage charges, are to be computed
from the time the ground ambulance arrives for hire until the ground ambulance is
discharged by the patient or his or her authorized representative.
