It Costs How Much?

 
   $900.

   That’s how much it costs, on average, to be taken to Drew Memorial Hospital in an ambulance from the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus according to Southeast Emergency Medical Service president Lyle Welch.

   Different companies charge different rates.

   There are two ambulance services that operate out of Monticello; Southeast EMS and Monticello Ambulance Service.  Southeast EMS charges their patients a base rate plus mileage.  The Monticello Ambulance Service charges a base rate plus mileage and an itemized rate. An itemized rate means that the charges depend on what the paramedics must do to keep the patient alive; examples include IVs and medication.

   Once an ambulance is called it does not mean you automatically owe money.  The refusal of treatment and transportation is legal; however, in some cases a check-up is required to determine the health of the patient.  If the patient is found healthy then he or she can sign themselves out of a hospital visit, if they are 18 or older, and the check-up is free.  If the patient is found not-healthy, then he or she must board the ambulance and be taken to the hospital.

   Most insurance companies cover part of the ambulance transportation cost; just make sure you check how much.

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