EMS dept. to purchase computer, software
New LifeTeam helicopters will be fastest in the U.S.
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission approved expenditures Monday for the emergency medical services office.
Darryl Thiesen, emergency medical services director, was instructed by the commission last week to seek bids for a new computer. The computer he was using in his office was old, outdated, and could not be networked with the other computers.
Thiesen advised the commission before making a final decision regarding the computer to consider new software for billing of services.
"The billing software is needed," said Thiesen. With the changes in Medicare, Medicaid, and the independent insurance companies, the software will be extremely beneficial.
Thiesen anticipates additional revenue from more efficient billing.
"We're not billing effectively and losing money," said Thiesen. "We're losing ground. But with the new software, we have the potential to increase our revenue."
Thiesen added that "eventually all of the billing will be done over the Internet."
Thiesen submitted a five-year product cost analysis to the commission for review. There were three cost scenarios with the most cost efficient being from DynaLinc.
The initial cost for two work stations and one set of books would be $3,995. A $700 per year maintenance fee also would be necessary.
Additional expense will be two employees driving to Indianapolis, Ind., for a two-day training session. Commissioners approved two hotel rooms for three nights, meals, and fuel. The attendees will be Thiesen and Sheryl Key.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a computer for the EMS office. Three bids were reviewed on five different models. The approved bid also was the lowest bid at $1,149.
Thiesen also presented the activity report for January. A record number of 96 ambulance runs were recorded for the month. First responder calls totaled 12.
Thiesen said he met with LifeTeam personnel to discuss equipment updates. LifeTeam is acquiring new helicopters with night vision to be able to land in fog.
The new helicopters will be the fastest air ambulances in the United States, said Thiesen.
Four county crew members will be attending the EMT-I certification class in Hutchinson. Eight crew members have enrolled in an EMT-I class offered at Herington.
An ice rescue class will be Saturday at Marion Reservoir. All emergency services personnel have been invited to attend the class.
Thiesen was concerned about the decision by the commission to reduce the amount of insurance coverage for a rescue truck. Commissioners explained that all of the older county-owned vehicles will have only liability insurance as a means to reduce expenses.
