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Philadelphia among first to try ambulance Medicare program that diverts patients to non-hospitals

Philadelphia will be among the first to try out a new program that gives ambulances more flexibility to take Medicare patients to lower-intensity —and lower-cost — treatment centers.

Medicare used to pay for emergency ambulance rides only to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or dialysis centers. A new program intended to reduce costly hospital trips will enable ambulances to take patients to their doctor's office or an urgent care center, if appropriate for their medical needs.
Medicare used to pay for emergency ambulance rides only to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or dialysis centers. A new program intended to reduce costly hospital trips will enable ambulances to take patients to their doctor's office or an urgent care center, if appropriate for their medical needs.Read moreiStock