Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Directors of Public Safety and Finance to jointly enter into a contract with Change Healthcare Practice Management Solutions, Inc. for EMS billing, collection, patient care reporting, hardware devices, accompanying extra equipment, third party auditing, training, and two onsite dedicated personnel as needed for the Division of Fire's Third Party EMS Reimbursement Program, originally initiated via Ordinance #1184-02, passed July 22, 2002. The current contract expires on March 31, 2019 and the proposed contract to start EMS billing will begin on the next day for a term of four years. However, in preparation to begin EMS billing on April 1, 2019 the parties need to contract so that preparation work can be implemented. Specifically, Change Healthcare (Contractor) must first contract with the City of Columbus in order to procure the requisite hardware and accessories, procure the patient software reporting system, and implement training of Division of Fire personnel. Funds are not currently required as Contractor compensation for the proposed contract is based on a percentage of monthly revenue collected from EMS transport reimbursement, which will start accruing on April, 1 2019. Funds will be available after passage of the 2019 budget to authorize a year’s expenditure with this Contractor.
Bid Information: An evaluation committee comprised of representatives from the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, and the Department of Finance and Management have solicited and completed a review of all proposals submitted to the City in response to a formal request for proposal (RFP) “RFQ 010211”. The committee recommended the selection and retention of Change Healthcare Practice Management Solutions, Inc., based upon defined criteria included in the RFP, and the requirements of the Columbus City Codes.
The City of Columbus contracts for the billing, collection, and reporting of those who are transported to hospitals by Columbus Fire Division EMS personnel for emergency medical care. The billing, collection, and reporting services commenced in 2003, and have since generated a multitude of patient care information used by Columbus Fire to better prepare EMS response protocols and, in turn, respond to City of Columbus citizens in a more effective manner. The Division also generates reports for various fire organizations that are catalogued nationwide.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested so that EMS billing, collection, and reporting services can continue without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available through the Department of Public Safety's 2018 budget to complete the current contract. As well, the Division of Fire's general fund budget proposal for 2019 contains funds specifically for this purpose. However, there is no immediate expenditure associated with this ordinance. When necessary, a subsequent ordinance will be drafted and introduced to authorize the expenditure associated with this modification of the contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Safety to enter into a contract with Change Healthcare Practice Management Solutions, Inc. for the Division of Fire's EMS billing, collection, and reporting services; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City originally contracted for EMS Billing and Collection Services, as initiated via Ordinance #1184-02, passed July 22, 2002; and,
WHEREAS, an evaluation committee comprised of representatives from the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire, and the Department of Finance and Management, in accordance with well-defined selection criteria and Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes, jointly solicited and completed a review of all proposals submitted to the City in response to a formal request for proposal (RFP) for EMS billing, collection, patient care reporting, hardware devices, accompanying extra equipment, third party auditor, training, and two onsite dedicated personnel as needed for the Division of Fire's Third Party EMS Reimbursement Program; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Division of Fire, Department of Public Safety, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a contract with Change Healthcare for EMS billing, collection, and reporting services so that billing can continue without interruption, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Change Healthcare Practice Management Solutions, Inc. for the Division of Fire's EMS billing, collection, and reporting services.
SECTION 2. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.