“The software we use cuts the rejection rate down to 2 percent,” said East. “Presently the ambulance service is running right at 48 percent rejection rate. That will allow you to reinvest the money back into the city in the neighborhood of $85,000 to $90,000 a year.”

East concluded Midwest will act as the middle man to assure both the insurance providers and the ambulance service remain in compliance with state and federal regulations.

“Have we entered into an agreement for this?” asked Councilman Martin Boswell.

“Yes we have,” replied Mayor Jerry Fritz.

“I don’t think you can enter into a contract without the approval of the city council,” said Boswell.

“With professional services I thought I could,” replied Fritz. “We’ll check it out and if it’s not correct, we’ll do whatever needs to be done.”

“I think the council ought to be informed before you do something like this,” commented Councilman Jimmie Frederick.

Councilman Stan Nall voiced his support of the decision to go with an outside billing service. “I think it’s a good program,” said Nall. “Jonathan (Stine, fireman/EMT) said this thing is getting more complicated all the time. He takes care of the billing now and he expects that to be a full-time job soon.”

Councilman Eddie Gooch agreed. “I wasn’t consulted on this either, but I think it’s a wise decision. It looks like a good program.”

Fritz instructed City Attorney Clint Prow to get an opinion from the Attorney General on the mayor’s authority to enter into the agreement without consulting the city council.

Council members were once again presented with new ambulance rates.

Boswell questioned whether or not the ambulance service could continue to transport patients for non-emergency situations.

Fritz asked Stine for input. “You can do whatever you want to do but we’re not going to get paid on them,” replied Stine.

It was noted ambulance policy allows for non-emergency transportation if it is scheduled ahead of time and is pre-paid. Through an administrative acceptance, the new rates will go into effect.