Memphis Signs Contract for EMS Billing Services & High-Tech Field Data Collection Solution
LAKEVILLE, MN – Digitech Computer Inc. announced today that the City of Memphis, Division of Fire Services has signed a contract for the provision of EMS billing services and electronic patient care reporting software to process 80,000 transports annually.
As of January 2010 ImageTrend, who is the subcontractor for this contract, has implemented a complete electronic Patient Care Reporting (ePCR) software on Panasonic Toughbook computers set up for wireless communication from the vehicles. This solution combines the expertise of two companies, ImageTrend’s ePCR software and Digitech’s billing services to provide an anticipated annual savings for the City of Memphis of $175,000 in fees alone.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Gary Ludwig of the City of Memphis, Division of Fire Services, the motivation for change was a need to transition from a paper system to an electronic one, with the aim of increasing the delivery level of patient care, while increasing ambulance reimbursement revenue.
“Better technology translates to better patient care,” commented Chief Ludwig. “Right now, our firefighters and paramedics are writing information down on sheets of paper. That’s hardly ideal in an emergency situation. Soon we will have wireless communications and Toughbooks in each vehicle so that our teams can improve patient care through instantly accessing data or by transmitting information to a hospital. We’ll be able to access patient history, information on drugs, and the status of hospitals. All of this will lead to more efficiency and a better standard of care.”
Ludwig continued, “We will also have the ability to access data after the event so that we can analyze information on a variety of incidents and better prepare our teams for similar events in the future. Combining a higher level of care with the significant revenue increase provided by Digitech’s EMS billing expertise really is a win-win situation for the citizens of Memphis.”
About ImageTrend, Inc.
ImageTrend, Inc. is an innovative software company in Lakeville, MN devoted to bringing cutting-edge technology to the forefront of business. ImageTrend’s award-winning applications contribute to their ranking as one of Minnesota’s fastest growing technology companies three years running and among the top 500 in the nation according to Deloitte Technology awards. ImageTrend combines business analysis, creative design and database-driven architecture with sophisticated development standards to provide tomorrow’s solutions today. Visit ImageTrend online at www.imagetrend.com.
About Digitech Computer
Digitech Computer, Inc. has been providing advanced dispatching and billing software to the medical transportation industry since 1984 and billing services to the industry since 1993. The Digitech team includes veterans of the ambulance industry, technical experts, software developers, and billing service professionals. Digitech offers a rich blend of proprietary software technology and billing services with a flexible approach that adapts products to suit the unique needs of its clients. Visit Digitech at www.digitechcomputer.com.
About Deputy Fire Chief, Gary Ludwig
Chief Ludwig currently serves as a Deputy Fire Chief with the Memphis Fire Department. He manages one of the largest and busiest EMS systems in the country with approximately 110,000 EMS runs and 80,000 transports each year. Chief Ludwig has over 32 years of fire, rescue, and EMS experience and currently serves as Chair of the EMS Section for the International Association of Fire Chiefs.