CMS Launches New Model For Paying Ambulance Crews—Even If They Don’t Transport To The Emergency Room

A new model is being launched by the Trump administration through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would pay first responders—such as ambulance crews—even if they decide not to take a person to the emergency room (ER). Instead of not paying first responders in such scenarios, the Treat and Transport (ET3) model will pay them whether they transport the individual to the hospital or they provide onsite care.

Some flexibility is given to the first responders, as they can provide their care either in-person or via telehealth services. According to Alex Azar, secretary for . . .