EmailHospital Circular 10/2001
Date Issued: 15 June 2001
Publication: 10/2001
Distribution: Public Hospitals, Ambulance Services
Subjects: Ambulance charging guidelines
Purpose: To reissue existing ambulance charging guidelines in a single document
Guidelines covering responsibility for ambulance charges are currently the subject of a variety of circulars dating back as far as the 1980s. The result of this has been a lack of clarity on the part of some service users.
The attached matrix consolidates into a single document policies relating to ambulance charges for Rural Ambulance Victoria and the Metropolitan Ambulance Service.
It should be noted that there has been no change to existing policies in relation to responsibility for costs. However, hospitals should be aware that some additional administrative requirements have been introduced in relation to confirming the status of certain mental health patients. The definition of a 24 hour accident and emergency department has also been simplified to reflect current charging practices and the classification of chargeable hospitals. This does not represent a change to the type of hospitals which can be charged for non-admitted patient transfers.
In compiling these guidelines it has come to the attention of the Department that some hospitals are engaging in practices intended to transfer responsibility for ambulance costs from the hospital to individual patients or the ambulance services. It is expected that by issuing a consolidated statement of charging guidelines, consistent and appropriate practice will be established across the State. Ambulance transports will be the subject of future auditing to monitor compliance with the guidelines in this respect.
Enquiries regarding particular accounts should be directed to the relevant ambulance service in the first instance.
Guidelines On Responsibility for Payment of Ambulance Fees Matrix - Issue Date 15 June 2001 (Word File 98KB)
DR C W Brook
Director
Acute Health Division
