Exploring the Future of EMS Reimbursement

Steve Tafoya takes a dive deep into a new bill aimed at transforming treatment-in-place capabilities and establishing Medicare reimbursement models tailored for emergency medical providers. Drawing on 25 years of frontline experience and a strong legal and business background, Steve sheds light on the current reimbursement challenges EMS agencies face, with only about 14-25% of calls being fully reimbursed. The discussion highlights how this legislation could reshape EMS’s role beyond traditional 911 response—integrating community health, alternative destinations, and innovative care models. Steve emphasizes the critical need for provider voices in lawmakers’ offices and urges industry stakeholders to engage with representatives to support this bill. The podcast also explores the expanding career opportunities in EMS, including agency response units and industrial medical teams.