Laserfiche WebLink
<br />VI-6 <br /> <br />MARK J. HOLMES, CHIEF <br />115 West 5th Street <br />Hastings, Minnesota 55033-1815 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />HASTINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />Business Office (651) 480-6150 <br />Fax (651) 480-6170 <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Werner <br />Council Members <br /> <br />FROM: Marl<: J. Howes - Fire Chie~Y <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Request to Allow Out-of-State Travel <br /> <br />DATE: August 11,2005 <br /> <br />The responsibilities necessary for ambulance billing are becoming increasingly dynamic <br />though approach. In the last several years, the ambulance industry has become victim to <br />Medicare re-imbursement reductions, threats by private insurance companies to reduce <br />compensation and increased Federal and State compliance with such issues as coding, <br />compliance and revenue recapture. <br /> <br />Structured education and interactive opportunities to provide self -evaluation and <br />maximize re-imbursement do not present themselves often. In the past five years, I am <br />unaware of any seminars such as this in our state. <br /> <br />The anticipated expense for attendance at The Ambulance Billing, Coding and <br />Compliance Clinic, with travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania, will be approximately $800.00. <br />The Fire Department budget will cover the cost of this one time request. <br /> <br />It is my opinion that the City of Hastings does an excellent job in this area but there is <br />always room for improvement. Your approving this request will allow the ambulance <br />service the opportunity to self evaluate and, if necessary, make appropriate change. <br /> <br />ReQuested action: Council approval allowing exception to the Travel Policy which will <br />send the Fire Services Office Manager to an out-of-state educational seminar. <br /> <br />Attachment: <br />Seminar Itinerary <br /> <br />cc: <br />David Osberg <br /> <br />FIRE SUPPRESSION <br /> <br />FIRE EDUCATION <br /> <br />FIRE PREVENTION <br /> <br />AMBULANCE SERVICE <br />