Because it is very difficult to obtain a beneficiary's signature (or the signature of a person authorized to sign on behalf of the beneficiary) on a claim when the beneficiary is being transported by ambulance in emergency situations, we are proposing that, for emergency ambulance transport services, an ambulance provider or supplier may submit the claim without a beneficiary's signature, as long as certain documentation requirements are met.
We updated the burden estimate in section A.12 from the last burden estimate to reflect changes in the number of ambulance suppliers, the number of claims, and the addition of 100% of the hourly wage for the cost calculations used to account for fringe and overhead. We have not changed the information collection requirements in any way.
The number of Medicare-enrolled ambulance suppliers decreased from 11,564 to 10,402. The total estimated number of ambulance transports for Part B-paid claims in 2015 was 14,155,617. This number represents a 9.46% decrease in the number of Part B-paid ambulance transport claims from 2011. In light of these facts, we have adjusted the annual time and cost burden estimates accordingly. The total number of burden hours decreased from 1,303,857 to 1,180,578. The estimated average hourly wage for emergency medical technicians and paramedics increased from $16.53 to $34.08. The total estimated cost for obtaining the documentation requirements in 42 CFR 424.36(b) (6) increased from approximately $1,863.78 to $3867.92 per ambulance supplier.
$0
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Kayla Williams 410 786-5887 Kayla.Williams@cms.hhs.gov
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.