As I have done in past years, I recommend that all clients review their rates annually and adjust their rates to reflect any increases in operating costs that you have incurred in the past year or project to incur in the new year. Comstar’s IT staff has completed updating our systems with the 2017 CMS rates. Today, I initiated Comstar’s annual client specific fee schedule mailing and newsletters series in January 2017. The objective here is to provide all clients information to make an informed choice on the level at which they set their rates. Connecticut clients, it is understood that you will utilize the ambulance rates mandated by your state.
A question I routinely receive from clients is, “how high can I set my rates?”
There is no appropriate definitive answer to this question. The OIG guidance on this matter is to set rates to cover your costs….. One thing I can do is provide general information on the rate setting patterns of Comstar’s 200+ municipal client base. To that end, I have analyzed the current ambulance billing rates set by Comstar’s clients. Below is the average rates for the highest 50 Comstar clients:
BLS-E $1,352
ALS-1 $2,197
ALS-2 $3,324
SCT $3,744
Mileage $34.51 per loaded mile
Please note, Comstar is successfully billing and collecting the fees set by highest 50 Comstar clients in full (less applicable co-pays……) without issue from non-contacted insurance carriers.
If your current rates are above the averages above, you do not have an issue. If your rates are below the averages above, you have a potential opportunity for revenue increase.
Please e-mail your completed forms to ratechange@comstarbilling.com .
If you choose not to make any changes at this time, please write no change on the form and email to this address. To discuss your specific situation, please contact me anytime via email, rick.martin@comstarbilling.com , or my direct line, 978-771-6482.