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EMS TRANSPORT COST RECOVERY FY-27
RECOMMENDED RATE UPDATES
Background
The Fire Department started providing backup EMS transport services in 2007. Until fiscal
year 2023 the City was providing these services at no cost. On April 19, 2022 the City
Commission authorized the Fire Department to enter into a professional services
agreement with Pintler Billing, allowing the fire department to use a third party service for
EMS billing. The EMS billing is direct billed to insurance companies, with any remaining
unpaid balances being the responsibility of the patient. This practice is similar to what
citizens and visitors experience when service is provided by the private EMS transport
service in Bozeman. The current rates for EMS transport by Bozeman Fire have been in
effect since August 3, 2022.
The billing for these services is intended to cover a number of different costs associated
with providing EMS service, including but not limited to:
• Personnel cost of City employees assigned to the EMS transport,
• Costs of any materials, medications, medical equipment, and other items used to
provide services during the transport,
• Cost of fuel for the ambulance, and
• Cost of wear and tear on the ambulance and other associated equipment such as
cots, cardiac monitors, and other specialized medical equipment that requires
replacement.
Rate Recommendation
The fire department worked with Pintler Billing to evaluate 16 other rate structures
from other service providers across the state, including transport agencies within
Gallatin County, to help inform this recommended update. In addition, the fire
department factored in costs specific to the City, such as labor and equipment
replacement, to develop the recommended rate increases below for adoption.
Service Provided Rates Effective 7/1/2026
Basic Life Support Non-emergent $1,750.00
Basic Life Support Emergent $1,750.00
Advanced Life Support Non-emergent $2,000.00
Advanced Life Support Emergent $2,100.00
Basic Life Support Routine Supplies $175.00
Advanced Life Support Routine Supplies $200.00
Intravenous (IV) Supplies $175.00
Oxygen and Supplies $125.00
Defibrillation & Supplies $350.00
Intubation Supplies $350.00
Mileage $25.00 per mile
Rate Adjustment and Review:
It is recommended that rates be adjusted annually on July 1 by the consumer price index (CPI-
U). Inflationary increases would begin July 1, 2027.
Budget Information:
All revenue generated from this cost recovery program will be deposited into a special revenue
fund that will be used to cover cost associated with providing EMS transport services.