When Ripley County Ambulance District provides ambulance transportation for you, the paramedics will complete a Missouri Ambulance Reporting Form (MARF), also referred to as a "run report". On the "run report" the paramedics will document the information concerning your condition, along with their medical assessment and the care that is rendered to you.
Ripley County Ambulance District must followed strict Federal Guidelines for the billing and coding (categorizing medical conditions) of ambulance patients. Our patient account representative will use the information documented on the run report to determine appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes that apply to your condition at the time our ambulance service transported you.
If you have NOT been previously transported by Ripley County Ambulance District and complete "Medicare, Medicaid and/or Private Insurance information was not obtained at the time the ambulance service was provided, an invoice will be sent to you within 10 business days, along with a form requesting specific information concerning your Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance coverage or self pay status. Please complete the form and return it to our office. Our address is:
Ripley County Ambulance District 1003 Walnut Street
Doniphan, MO 63935-1337
Phone: 573-996-7551
Fax: 573-996-1984
If Ripley County Ambulance District has previously transported you, and we have current Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance information in our billing system, one of the following will occur:
If you have Medicare Part B Coverage Only, our office will file a claim to Medicare Part B on your behalf. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare has been billed and your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process and pay your claim. Keep in mind that if your deductible has NOT been met, you are responsible for payment of the deductible. It is illegal for us to negotiate or discount your deductible which for 2010 is $155.00. Medicare will notify us when they remit payment to us for the services we provided to you, whether or not your deductible has been met. At that time we will send you an invoice requesting the unpaid portion of your deductible be submitted to us.
If you have Medicare Part B and Medicaid Coverage, our office will file a claim on your behalf to Medicare Part B. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare Part B has been billed. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process your claim. If Medicare approves payment of your claim, the balance will automatically be billed to Medicaid.
If you have Medicare Part B and Supplemental Insurance, our office will file a claim to Medicare Part B on your behalf. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare Part B has been billed. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process your claim. If Medicare approves payment of your claim, generally the balance on the claim will automatically be submitted to your supplemental insurance for payment of the balance. In some cases we may need to file a claim to your supplemental insurance on your behalf.
If you have a Medicare HMO or other Private Insurance that is your Primary Insurance Coverage, our office will file a claim on your behalf. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for you insurance provider to process your claim. Keep in mind that if we have no response from your private insurance company within
120 days and we have provided all appropriate documentation, we will send you an invoice requesting payment for the services we provided. At that time it will be your responsibility to contact your insurance company for payment.
If your transport was a result of a Motor Vehicle Collision, our office will send you a letter requesting your automobile insurance information. We request that you complete form in it's entirety. Once completed information is returned to our office, we will file a claim on your behalf with your insurance carrier. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for your insurance company to process your claim. Keep in mind that if we have no response from your private insurance company within 120 days and we have provided all appropriate documentation, we will send you an invoice requesting payment for the services we provided. At that time it will be your responsibility to contact your insurance company for payment.
If you have Medicaid coverage only, your transport must meet the criteria Medicaid has established for ambulance transports in order for our office to file a claim on your behalf. The fact that you are Medicaid eligible does not guarantee that Medicaid will pay for your transport. If you have questions regarding Medicaid's criteria for ambulance transport please refer to your Medicaid Handbook or contact your local Family Support Division Office. If Medicaid denies your claim, you are financially responsible for payment of services we provide you.
If you are self pay (no insurance coverage), our office will send you an invoice of the amount you owe within 10 business days. If you can not pay your bill in full we will work out payment arrangements with you. Come by our office and we will set up a payment plan that works for you.
Note: Unfortunately, not all claims filed by Ripley County Ambulance District are paid by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies all have their own specific criteria for payment of claims, and NOT all transports meet their specific criteria, which may result in a denied claim. There are specific procedures for re-filing claims and you may want to consult with either Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance carrier for further information or assistance. Our patient accounts representative is very knowledgeable and experienced in the procedures for re-filing claims. They may be able to assist you in the re-filing process. You may call our office at 573-996-7551 for more information.
Ripley County Ambulance District is a local tax supported government
entity, therefore, we are unable to offer discounts or negotiate with
insurance companies for any fee reductions or expedited payments. For your
convenience, Ripley County Ambulance District accepts personal checks and
money orders by mail. Please do not send cash through the mail. If you prefer to pay in cash, please visit our office at 1003 Walnut Street, Doniphan, MO 63935-1337.
We also accept credit cards by phone or in person.
