Ambulance Reimbursement Systems, Inc.

Ambulance Reimbursement Systems, Inc. EMS Billing Experts Time-honored service with high-tech processing

At ARS, we’re proud of our old-school approach to customer service.. Why ARS?

ARS – Your new back office

Since 1989, ARS has been providing high-performance EMS and ambulance billing services to organizations across the US. ARS integrates seamlessly into your organization’s operation, handling the complex tasks associated with EMS and ambulance billing and reimbursement, allowing you to focus on what you do best – taking care of patients. You speak with a member of our fri

endly, helpful team who is ready and equipped to handle your call. We offer the best billing technology available. With access to the latest computer infrastructure, ePCR import capabilities, and electronic clearinghouses with insurance eligibility built directly into the billing software, our staff has all of the tools necessary to help you maximize your revenue. If you have a billing services issue or question, call us. We’d love to talk with you. We believe nothing beats a personal conversation to ensure that you’ll receive exactly what you need. Compliance is our top priority

In everything we do, compliance comes first. ARS has a full-featured compliance program committed to following all state and federal laws regarding patient privacy and claims submission. Our system incorporates NAAC Certified Ambulance Coder (CAC) to ensure that all of your billing is fully compliant. All staff that process billing documents are CAC certified. Education is key to successful billing

We love to educate our clients! Perhaps the most important thing we do, besides operating an efficient, high-performance billing process on your behalf, is to educate your staff. Proper documentation is vital to the success of any billing program, and ARS provides all of the education you and your team need. Our PCR Documentation course is approved for continuing education units (CEUs) and is presented by our company president, a 40 year veteran paramedic with a passion for teaching and sharing his life experiences in EMS. We know you have a choice of EMS billing services, so why choose ARS? Simply put, we’re not just a billing service. Because our company’s roots are in emergency medical services, we have a genuine passion to ensure that your organization receives the revenue it needs to continue saving lives. ARS has developed a comprehensive process to ensure that every claim you make and each bill you send receives every opportunity it needs to return revenue back to you – as quickly as possible. The core of our system lies in the thorough nature of our pre-billing process. We check, then double check, the quality of the claim; determine eligibility; and contact hospitals and patients to verify accuracy and completeness of information so that every claim is prepared the right way before it ever leaves our office. We know all too well that EMS crews often are unable to gather insurance information and authorization signatures during the events surrounding a life-saving call. That’s why our pre-billing process is so essential. We obtain the critical information for you, so you can concentrate on patient care. Our value is in the details

Call us. We’re available to explain, in as much detail as you need, how our process can fit seamlessly into your organization. We prepare all of the necessary paperwork to notify federal and state entitlement programs, connect electronic claims submission, process a change of address for your insurance carriers, and connect to your ePCR program. We do all of the leg work for you.

07/08/2026

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on July 6th that it will begin a demonstration project for the reimbursement of whole blood transfusions and blood component administration by ambulance services covered by TRICARE during ground ALS2 and SCT transports, and air ambulance transports. *Note that this is in addition to the applicable base rate payment. In this respect, the TRICARE demonstration project will differ from the Medicare rule, which includes blood transfusions as one of the eligible ALS2 interventions (i.e., no separate reimbursement above the ALS2 rate).

The TRICARE demonstration project, for covered ALS2, SCT or air ambulance transports, will pay an additional amount of the higher of either (1) the Hospital OPPS rate under HCPCS Code P9010 (currently $189.84 per unit) or (2) the cost of the blood or blood components based on a blood bank invoice. TRICARE will also pay an additional fee of approximately $40 for the administration of the blood or blood products, using CPT code 36430, which is significant because it is one of the first instances of any Federal payer reimbursing for service of an EMS clinician above and beyond the transport reimbursement.

The five-year TRICARE demonstration project will start January 1, 2027 and is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2031 (though remember, prior Federal demonstration projects have been ended early by various agencies).

PWW|AG will break down what this announcement means for EMS agencies, reimbursement, and the future of prehospital blood administration at abc360 in Hershey, PA, October 17–21, 2026. Registration opens soon.

In the meantime, download our Prehospital Blood Administration Programs – Flash Poll: Economics report -> https://shorturl.at/TJDU3
OR register for The Price of Saving Lives webinar to explore the financial realities of prehospital blood administration. -> https://shorturl.at/TWagQ

07/08/2026

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has announced $13.5 million in grant funding for the Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Program, specifically designed to help local and tribal agencies strengthen community safety and public health.

This vital funding supports the training of each dedicated Clinician to better care for patients facing substance use disorders and mental health conditions. If your fire-based or non-fire-based agency is ready to advance its capabilities and expand access to critical care in rural areas, do not miss the chance to apply. Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your agency and support your community by submitting your application before the deadline on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Discover the full eligibility details and secure your funding here: https://brnw.ch/21x3V90

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07/01/2026

Our offices will be closed July 2 and July 3 in celebration of the July 4 Holiday!

Happy 4th of July!!

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Important reminders:
03/10/2026

Important reminders:

$595 million.

That is the estimated value of improper ambulance service payments identified by CMS in 2024, tied to a 13.2 percent improper payment rate.

While the number itself may grab headlines, the real story lies in why those payment errors are happening.

In a new JEMS - Emergency Medical Services article, PWW|AG EMS & Mobile Healthcare Consultant Donna York breaks down the underlying causes behind these findings and what EMS agencies should be paying attention to right now.

Understanding these trends is critical for protecting revenue, strengthening compliance, and reducing audit risk.

Read the full article here: https://www.jems.com/ems-operations/documentation-presents-greater-risk-than-coding/

02/16/2026

PWW|AG Co-Founder Doug Wolfberg shares insight following important Medicare Advantage compliance news.

The OIG has released new program compliance guidance (CPG) for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans — and it matters for ambulance services.

With MA enrollment now exceeding 50% of all Medicare beneficiaries, understanding the business, reimbursement, and compliance landscape of Medicare Advantage is more important than ever. A growing portion of EMS revenue now comes from these Medicare replacement plans.

Two key takeaways from the new OIG guidance:

1️⃣ Network Adequacy Matters
The OIG reminds MA plans they must maintain adequate provider networks to serve their populations. Many ambulance services have struggled to gain inclusion in MA provider networks. While no fixed number of ambulance providers is required, plans can face sanctions if networks are insufficient — giving EMS agencies stronger footing during contract negotiations.

2️⃣ Increased Oversight of Providers (FDRs)
MA plans are expected to strengthen oversight of their “First Tier, Downstream, or Related Entities” (FDRs), which includes participating providers. Agencies should expect increased requests for quality data, documentation, reporting, and other information supporting payment for services.

There are many additional insights within the guidance, making it essential reading for compliance leaders and anyone focused on revenue integrity in Medicare Advantage populations.

Read more → https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/ma-icpg/

Please see the Updated NPP requirements.
02/12/2026

Please see the Updated NPP requirements.

🚨 EMS Agencies: NPP Update Required by February 16, 2026 🚨

On February 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a Final Rule aligning 42 C.F.R. Part 2 (Substance Use Disorder record protections) more closely with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

What Does This Mean for EMS?

While most EMS agencies do not create Part 2 records, many receive substance use disorder (SUD) records, particularly when transporting patients to or from Part 2 facilities.

Because of that, the best practice is to update your Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) by February 16, 2026.

What’s Specifically Required?

EMS agencies should revise their NPPs to:

Explain how the agency may use and disclose SUD records.

Notify patients of their rights and the agency’s responsibilities regarding SUD records.

State that disclosed SUD information may be subject to redisclosure.

Clarify that Part 2 records cannot be used against a patient in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings without written consent or a court order.

Key Protection to Highlight

SUD treatment records protected under 42 C.F.R. Part 2:

May be used for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations if authorized by general consent

Are limited strictly to the scope of any specific written consent

Cannot be used in proceedings against the patient without consent or court order

Carry heightened protections beyond standard HIPAA rules.

You can read more about this rule and download the PWW SAMPLE NPP here: https://mailchi.mp/pwwag.com/sud-npp-update.

01/01/2026

What the Full Medicare Ambulance Cost Report says about the EMS economic model

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas!

Our office will be closed 12/25 and 12/26.
🎄🎄

12/17/2025

PA Senate homepage. Discover information on Senators, access committee details, stay informed on upcoming legislative sessions, review recent votes and bills, and much more.

Address

5925 Tilghman Street Ste 1000
Allentown, PA
18104

Opening Hours

Monday 7:15am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:15am - 5pm
Thursday 7:15am - 5pm
Friday 7:15am - 5pm

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