April 30, 2017
Xcenda Conducts Unique Research on Air Medical Services Costs
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) commissioned Xcenda, part of AmerisourceBergen, to conduct independent research on the costs associated with providing emergent air medical transports.
The commissioned study is in response to an evident need for reputable, independent research to quantify the costs associated with providing emergent air medical transports. Further, the study examines the appropriateness of the 2002 Medicare rate-setting methodology for air medical services and current payment adequacy. The resulting report provides independent substantiation of actual costs to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Members of Congress.
Through various forms of communication (industry conferences, newsletters, and other means), Xcenda targeted recruitment from air medical providers billing Medicare in 2014, the most current billing information publicly available at the time of this study. A detailed cost data collection tool was distributed to providers who volunteered to participate. The study group included fixed-wing, rotor-wing, for-profit, non-profit, independent and hospital-based providers. Cost data were aggregated and analyzed at a per-transport and per-base level. Differences between program types, tax status, size, and geographic location were also examined.
The study’s respondents represent 51% of all air medical bases nationwide and captured 46% of air medical services billed to Medicare.
“A study such as this is long overdue,” says Rick Sherlock, AAMS President & CEO. “It has been AAMS’ position for some time that Medicare payments do not adequately match costs. The results of the cost study have validated our stance. The data provides a baseline for transport providers industry-wide regardless of business model.”
Download the full cost study report here.
The commissioned study is in response to an evident need for reputable, independent research to quantify the costs associated with providing emergent air medical transports. Further, the study examines the appropriateness of the 2002 Medicare rate-setting methodology for air medical services and current payment adequacy. The resulting report provides independent substantiation of actual costs to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Members of Congress.
Through various forms of communication (industry conferences, newsletters, and other means), Xcenda targeted recruitment from air medical providers billing Medicare in 2014, the most current billing information publicly available at the time of this study. A detailed cost data collection tool was distributed to providers who volunteered to participate. The study group included fixed-wing, rotor-wing, for-profit, non-profit, independent and hospital-based providers. Cost data were aggregated and analyzed at a per-transport and per-base level. Differences between program types, tax status, size, and geographic location were also examined.
The study’s respondents represent 51% of all air medical bases nationwide and captured 46% of air medical services billed to Medicare.
“A study such as this is long overdue,” says Rick Sherlock, AAMS President & CEO. “It has been AAMS’ position for some time that Medicare payments do not adequately match costs. The results of the cost study have validated our stance. The data provides a baseline for transport providers industry-wide regardless of business model.”
Download the full cost study report here.