Pasco County, FL - Official Website

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Ambulance Billing - FAQ

1. Does Pasco County Fire Rescue use a collection service for delinquent accounts?: Yes, in cases where it becomes necessary to recover ambulance service user fees, Pasco County Fire Rescue does utilize the services of a licensed collection agent. This service is used as a last resort in cases where the efforts of Pasco County Fire Rescue to secure payment have been unsuccessful.

2. How are Pasco County Fire Rescue ambulance rates determined?: Rates are determined through local market studies and carrier allowed amounts, and are reviewed and approved by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners.

3. I don't have insurance and cannot afford to pay for my ambulance service. Will you reduce or waive the charge?: Pasco County Fire Rescue does not reduce or waive ambulance charges, as that would not be fair or consistent to all users of our service. An installment payment plan is available to provide financial assistance to our patients.
If you are interested in making installment payments, please contact our billing office at (813) 929-2724 between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday - Thursday.

4. I thought ambulance service was included on my tax bill; why do I also get billed when I use the service?: Pasco County Fire Rescue is funded through a combination of ad valorem taxes and user fees. To minimize the impact on the entire citizenry of Pasco County, it was decided to impact everyone for the availability of the service, and only the users for actual usage of the service. In this way, the taxes necessary to support the ambulance service can be held to a minimum.
Our total ambulance budget is approximately $14 million annually, of which our ambulance fees cover approximately $11 million. The balance of the operating cost is subsidized through ad valorem taxes.

5. Is Pasco County Fire Rescue contracted with any insurance company?: Pasco County Fire Rescue is not contracted with any insurance companies other than those required by law. Therefore, depending on the nature of a patient's insurance coverage, the patient will be required to pay any amount that exceeds the customary allowed amount recognized by their insurance company.

6. Is the bill for ambulance service covered by my insurance?: In most cases, yes. However, this depends in large part on the type of insurance coverage you have and whether the service is considered "medically necessary" by your insurance carrier.

7. I was recently transported by ambulance and Medicare denied my bill for medical necessity. Why did they deny and what are my rights?: The Medicare program will only reimburse for ambulance services that it deems "medically necessary". In all cases, other means of transportation must be contraindicated due to the patient's condition, regardless of whether other means of transportation are available. In simpler words, the patient's condition must be acute and such that transport by other means would endanger the patient's life, limb or internal organs.
A patient has the right to appeal Medicare's decision. In the event that a patient's claim is rejected, they can file an appeal for reconsideration. Simply obtain all of the information regarding your ambulance service (ambulance patient care report, emergency room notes, physician notes, discharge orders, lab results, etc.) and mail them to your Medicare carrier and request an appeal of your denial.

Our rates are as follows (subject to change):

Advanced Life Support, Level 1 (ALS1) $600
Advanced Life Support, Level 2 (ALS2) $600
Rescue Assist (non-transport) $75
Mileage (per mile) $10

9. Who should I contact if I have a question about my ambulance bill?: Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm you can contact Ambulance Billing at (813) 929-2724.
If you are calling long-distance, please call (800) 368-2411 and ask the operator for extension 2724.

10. Why is the cost of the ambulance so high?: Many people are unaware of the costs associated with pre-hospital emergency care. These costs include well-trained and qualified personnel, dependable modern equipment and a rapid response, regardless of the time of day or location. When you consider the cost of the people and equipment, in addition to the cost of sufficient rescue stations located throughout the County to provide an average response time of about seven minutes, this is an expensive service.

11. Why are you sending me a bill after my insurance company paid?: This could be for different reasons;
1) Pasco County does not have contracts with insurance companies to accept less than our usual and customary rate. Your insurance may not have paid us correctly; therefore, you are being billed for the balance.
2) Your insurance company may have sent the check for our services directly to you.

12. Why did I receive a bill for Rescue Assist services? Why won't my insurance pay for this service?: Pasco County charges for ambulance service when an ambulance responds to a 911 call and upon arrival the patient refuses transport to the hospital. Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurances will not cover Rescue Assist services because the patient was not transported to the hospital. Ambulance service is a transportation benefit.

13. I was not transported by the ambulance; why did I receive a bill for Rescue Assist services?: A fee is charged when a patient or a patient's family member calls 911 and requests an ambulance. This fee is charged whether or not the patient receives treatment then declines to be transported. In addition, whenever anyone calls 911 on a patient's behalf and the patient receives treatment then refuses to be transported, the fee applies.
Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies consider ambulance service a transportation benefit under their coverage guidelines. As Rescue Assist service does not include transportation of the patient, the fee for this service is always the patient's responsibility. lease refer to your insurance handbook for specific details on your ambulance service benefits.

14. Will you bill my insurance company for my ambulance service?: Yes, we will bill your insurance company as a courtesy to you. However, it is your responsibility to follow up with your insurance company to resolve any delays in payment. In the event that an insurance company denies your claim for any reason, or does not pay the full amount, you are responsible for any remaining balance.

15. I have to make a payment for my Ambulance bill. Can I make a payment online?: Yes you can make an online payment. Please make sure you have your bill with your account number on it for reference. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service:
(727) 847-2411
(813) 996-2411
(352) 523-2411
Pay On Line

16. What types of payment options do I have online?: You can pay with a credit card or with your bank account.

17. What information do you need in order for me to pay with my bank account?: You will need your Bank Routing Number and your Bank Account Number.

19. Is there an online payment processing fee?: Yes. There is a $3.00 fee for every payment.

20. Is there a limit to the amount I can pay online?: Each transaction (including the processing fee) must total less than $300.00 If necessary, you can use multiple transactions to completely pay your Ambulance bill.

21. Can I mail my credit card information to you to process?: Not at this time.

22. What types of payment options do I have online?: You can pay with a credit card or with your bank account.

23. Can I give my credit information to you over the phone?: Not at this time.