Contested Procedures Stall Rescue Operations Progression - Delays in Execution of Rescue Operations Due to Intricate Procedures
Ambulance Ride Cost Dispute Remains Unresolved Between Brandenburg Counties and Health Insurers
Brandenburg counties and health insurers are yet to reach an agreement over the costs of ambulance rides, weeks after the dispute started. The complex nature of cost calculations is the reason for the delay, according to Johannes Wagner, Chairman of the County Association. Neither party bears blame for the standstill.
The controversy revolves around the coverage of costs for ambulance rides. Health insurers have been providing fixed flat rates for rescue services since January 1, contingent on an agreement with the counties regarding a new calculation method. Counties such as Märkisch-Oderland, Teltow-Fläming, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Oder-Spree, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Barnim, Oberhavel, and Spree-Neiße are yet to negotiate with insurers on the costs of these services. The County Association considers the flat rates unfair.
In mid-March, Märkisch-Oderland started issuing invoices to patients, a practice contested by the county. A truce was brokered at a meeting with the state government at the end of March, halting further invoices for ambulance rides for eight weeks, beginning April 1. This ceasefire has been extended to June 30.
Constructive dialogue will continue between providers of rescue services, the counties, and health insurers. The Ministry of Health is facilitating these negotiations. A new calculation model is being developed and will need to meet the legal requirements of the fee law as well as obtain approval from health insurers.
Johannes Wagner, the Chairman of the County Association, clarified that there was no responsible party for the lengthy process. The intricacies and negotiations involved in finding a solution might take time, though the ultimate goal remains to ensure that Brandenburg citizens do not bear the financial burden of ambulance rides.
- As the dispute over ambulance ride costs continues between Brandenburg counties and health insurers, the County Association is advocating for fairer vocational training of healthcare professionals in community policy, emphasizing the importance of health-and-wellness and medical-conditions, to improve the quality of services and potentially reduce costs.
- At the same time, the Finance Ministry is exploring innovative science-based solutions to streamline financial operations and general-news reporting, aiming to increase transparency and efficiency in the discussion over the costs of ambulance rides and other healthcare-related expenses.
- In addition, vocational training programs focused on health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, science, finance, and general-news journalism are being proposed as part of the solution to better equip individuals with the skills necessary to navigate complex issues like the ambulance ride cost dispute, promoting community engagement and understanding.
