SR 06-28-2016 3I
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: June 28, 2016
Agenda Item: 3.I
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bill Walker, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Subject: Third Modification to Contract to Provide Emergency Ambulance and Billing
Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a third modification to Contract No. 9438 (CCS) with Ameri-Care Ambulance, a
California-based company, to provide emergency ambulance and billing services. This
will result in a six year amended contract at no cost to the City.
Executive Summary
On July 26, 2011 Council approved Contract No. 9438 (CCS) with Ameri-Care to
provide emergency ambulance and billing services for a three-year term beginning
August 4, 2011. On July 22, 2014 Council approved a first amendment to Contract No.
9438 (CCS) with Ameri-Care to extend the terms of the contract until July 31, 2015 with
an additional one-year extension through July 31, 2016. On March 22, 2016 Council
approved the second amendment to the Ameri-Care contract extending the term for
another year. Upon further review, it was determined that a second modification was
already processed under the terms of the first modification which allowed for an
additional one-year extension through July 2016. This third modification to the
agreement is to align the modification with Council approved action for an extension of
services for a one-year term until July 31, 2017. Ameri-
on billing for transported patient services. Ameri-Care also generates a separate bill for
City services, resulting in anticipated cost-recovery of $908,025, as reflected in the FY
2016-17 Budget.
Discussion
The City has utilized an emergency ambulance and billing service company since 2004
to provide emergency medical transport and billing services for the response,
assessment, treatment and/or transportation of members of the public by Fire
Department paramedics. Charges are assessed based on the Advanced Life Support
Assessment Fee adopted by Council on June 15, 2004 and the Skilled Nursing Facility
fee adopted on June 15, 2010. The Advanced Life Support Assessment Fee is the
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($1,012.75) as set forth in the most current Los Angeles County General Public and
-Care bills approximately
$548.25 per transport based on the current fee structure, excepting Medi-Cal and
Medicare patients. Ameri-Care also bills the Skilled Nursing Facility fee on behalf of the
City, the fee is currently $902.17.
The Fire Department responds to nearly 12,000 emergency medical calls annually and
calls for patient transport have increased 5% as compared to the previous year; Ameri-
model includes six paramedic engine companies and other support units deployed as
needed, including four rescue ambulances which are mainly used for special events.
Contracted Ameri-Care emergency ambulances are used to transport patients on behalf
of the Fire Department with Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics on-board
during an advanced life support transport to provide patient treatment in the ambulance
while enroute to a medical facility.
The City currently uses Ameri-Care as its ambulance provider and ambulance related
billing services. Ameri-Care has successfully provided ambulance services for the past
five years. Staff recommends extending their term for an additional one-year of service
while the Department undergoes a cost/revenue analysis of all options available for the
delivery of Fire Department-based emergency medical services including the current
delivery system and practices. There are significant opportunities for rethinking our
current models for service delivery and funding. The newly appointed Fire Chief will
lead the collaborative interdepartmental exploration of the best options for presentation
to the City Council.
Vendor/Consultant Selection
In May 2011, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an emergency
-line bidding site,
and notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in accordance with City
Charter and Municipal Code provisions. In addition, the notice was disseminated to 16
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licensed ambulance companies in Los Angeles County. Five Los Angeles County
ambulance providers submitted proposals. Proposals were evaluated on price,
response capabilities, commitment to purchase property in Santa Monica to locate an
ambulance station, redundant dispatch and operation system, and an ability to provide
real-time vehicle location services. After a thorough review, the selection committee
recommended Ameri-Care as the best bidder based on the evaluation criteria.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate budget or financial impact related to this staff report. Ameri-
ent services. Ameri-Care
also generates a separate bill for City services, resulting in anticipated cost-recovery of
$908,025, as reflected in the FY 2016-17 Budget.
Prepared By:
Laura Brown, Admin Analyst (Fire)
Approved Forwarded to Council
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