Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer CPR classes?
We offer CPR classes as a part of our EMT course. CPR classes can be scheduled with our certified CPR instructors by calling EMMCO East at 814-834-9212.

Why do you bill my insurance for ambulance fees even though I’m a member of St. Marys, Ambulance?
Whether you are a member or not, we bill your health insurance including secondary insurance or Medicare for ambulance service. This is called third party billing. If you are a member, we accept what your insurance or Medicare pays as payment in full, therefore you will not incur any out of pocket expense. If you are not a member the remaining balance is billed directly to you.

Why do I get billed for the wheelchair van if I’m a member? Shouldn’t my insurance pay for it?
The wheelchair van service is available to our members only, therefore it is not eligible for insurance or Medicare coverage.

If I get a check from insurance for ambulance transport made payable to me, do I get to keep it?
NO. You must turn over to St. Marys Ambulance all insurance payments that are sent to you to cover ambulance service. Our billing office is notified immediately when a check is sent to a patient. They can tell us when the check was sent and when it was cashed. Even if you are a member, you will be billed for this money if we find that you have kept or cashed any check that was meant to cover ambulance service.

I have insurance. Why do I need to join the ambulance service?.
The money we receive from ambulance memberships establishes our equipment budget for the year. We use this money to purchase new ambulances and equipment. If we don’t have this money for our base budget, we would not be able to stay in service, therefore there would be no ambulance service in St. Marys. Keep in mind a new ambulance costs nearly $110,000 and another $70,000 for the equipment used on every unit. We replace one unit approximately every 18 months. With these figures in mind, you can see why we need all the membership dollars we can get.

Why does my bill seem so high, they just took me down the street?
For every call that we transport a patient, we charge a base rate. We bill this rate if you live near the hospital or on the outskirts of town. It’s almost like a service call that a plumber would charge. If you need more services from us then you will be billed accordingly. We only bill patients that we transport. You have the right to refuse any and all treatment. If you refuse treatment, you will not be billed. Our fees are really right in line or less than other area ambulance services. Remember, we are here 24/7 to serve you. Like you, we have a building and vehicles to maintain. We have to pay our staff 24/7 even if we don’t go on a single call. When you average out the fees verses our costs of staffing and maintaining a service 24/7 it really is a reasonable amount.

Will you take me to my doctors’ appointment in Pittsburgh?
In most cases, Yes. If it is a non-emergency we can take you in our wheelchair van. In addition to a wheelchair, our vans are also equipped with ambulance cots for your convenience. Our wheelchair van hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. We require at least 24 hours advance notice. In some cases, depending on the patients condition, a family member or nurses aide MUST ride along, but for most trips a family member is welcomed to ride along.

Will a trip in the wheelchair van cost me any money?
Yes, the fee for the wheelchair van is $5.00 base rate plus $1.00 per loaded mile. We charge only the base rate for any transport within the city limits. You will be billed at the end of the month. The wheelchair van is available to members only.

What training do you need to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?
First of all you must be at least 16 years of age, and have a valid drivers license. You will then need to complete the 140 hour EMT class in Pennsylvania which includes CPR. You will also need to complete the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). To maintain your status as an EMT will be required to take no less than 24 Con-Ed credits every three years. Information on where classes are being held and the cost and requirements, can be found by calling EMMCO East at 814-834-9212.

How many people do you employ?
42 total, 17 paramedics and 25 EMTs; 8 full time and 34 part time.

How many calls do you go on each year?
Approximately 4,300 to 4,500.

What is your response area?
We cover most areas in Elk and Cameron Counties. Some areas are mainly covered by their local ambulance services but we help out when they need extra assistance.