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1. What happens when I am transported in a Sherman Fire Department ambulance?

The collected information is processed for billing under rates set by City of Sherman Ordinance. With accurate insurance information, claims are filed on behalf of the patient. If no insurance information is available, patients will be contacted by mail to provide the information needed to file the claim on the patient’s behalf. Patients receiving treatment and / or transport by the Sherman Fire Department will receive a bill documenting the charges for the services received and any balance due.

2. Does the City of Sherman contract with my insurance company?

The City of Sherman’s EMS Division is partially supported by taxes, with the remainder of funding coming from fees for services. Due to the nature of the funding sources, the city does not contract with any insurance companies other than those required by law, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. Therefore, payment of any amount that exceeds the amount paid by the insurance company is required unless limited by law.

3. What is medical necessity and is it important?

Many insurance carriers, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, require that a patient’s medical condition warrant the use of an ambulance before they will allow payment. Furthermore, the policies regarding medical necessity are unique to each insurance company and can be quite complex. The City of Sherman, in its capacity as the 9-1-1 ambulance provider, is not responsible for situations where an insurance carrier determines that an ambulance transport does not meet their medical necessity requirements. In such cases, the patient will be billed for full charges.

4. What is the city’s collection policy?

The City of Sherman has established a policy for the collection of delinquent accounts. In cases where it is necessary, the city does utilize the services of a licensed collection agency. Sending an account to a collections agency is used as a last resort in cases where the efforts of the city to secure payment have been unsuccessful. Patients unable to afford paying the entire balance due in one lump sum may call the Ambulance Billing Department to make other payment arrangements. For your convenience, Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted as forms of payment.

5. What is the city’s patient privacy policy?

The City of Sherman’s licensed paramedics document emergency medical call information in an electronic reporting system that meets all privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).