Why Am I Receiving a Bill and Being Charged for Volunteer Ambulance Service?
Springwater Wayland Emergency Medical Services is an independent not for profit organization that is completely run by volunteers and bills patients for our services. Providing quality EMS services is not a cheap endeavor. In order to minimize the impact of ongoing increases in operational costs, it is necessary for SWEMS to bill patients for ambulance service.
What does SWEMS use these funds for?
All of our members are volunteers. Even so, there is a great cost to operate our ambulance service including fuel, staff training, insurance, medical equipment and supplies, maintenance, etc. We also have to budget for a vehicle replacement program and average ambulance prices are around $200,000 each. Our organization is focused on providing the best patient care possible for residents and visitors of our communities and all funds received are used to provide those services.
What should I do if I Cannot Afford an Ambulance Call?
Call 911 and let us respond. The ability to pay will not change the level of response that a patient receives. No one is denied care by SWEMS for any reason, including ability to pay.
Who do I Contact if I Have a Question About a Bill?
SWEMS contracts with a third party billing service, Professional Ambulance Billing (PAB), to prepare bills, work with insurance companies, and answer patient billing questions. For billing questions, call PAB at 1-716-204-3350 or 1-888-897-4893.
I received a letter in the mail from SWEMS and/or PAB stating that you need my signature. What should I do?
We require your signature in order to submit a bill to your insurance carrier. Please sign the required paperwork and send it back to the address listed.
I received a check from my insurance company in the mail. What should I do?
If you receive a payment check from your insurance carrier for ambulance services, you must forward it to the address on your bill. Failure to do so is considered insurance fraud with potential legal and/or criminal consequences.
Do you Accept Donations?
Absolutely! Springwater Wayland EMS is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation and all donations are tax deductible. Any donations that you can provide to help your community would be greatly appreciated!