Thursday, May 17, 2012

** Nova Scotia lowers ambulance fees for the poor and disabled

** Medical professionals calling for standardization of medical tattoos

CANADA NEWS

** Seniors or disabled individuals living in long term care homes will pay a reduced ambulance fee in Nova Scotia July 1. That is the word from Global News (CP/May 14) which said the charge for nursing home to hospital transport will drop from $134.52 to only $50. According to the news service, medically necessary appointment charges for those with reduced mobility will also dip from $168.14 to $100. Lower income individuals will additionally see reductions by September 1.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** The increasing trend towards medical tattoos replacing ID bracelets has prompted a call for standardization of the required inking. The QMI Agency (May 14) said the current approach sees a myriad of designs employed, with many being overlooked by EMS workers. According to the newspaper, providers are looking for guidelines on the tattoo’s appearance, as well as increased reminders to prehospital responders regarding their existence. In addition, the legal ramifications for expanded use of the tattoos for DNRs have yet to be determined.