"House call" ambulances save money, unnecessary ER trips

A new ambulance service in Denver relies on "mobile care units" rather than full ambulances to treat patients in need of emergency care, according to Kaiser Health News. South Metro Fire Rescue Authority uses what it terms "urgent care on wheels" to provide on-the-scene treatment. Officials estimate it costs the units $500 to provide care, one-sixth of what it would cost to render treatment at a hospital emergency room, and likely far less than the bill the patient would receive for an ambulance ride itself. However the unit doesn't yet charge for the service because it isn't covered by insurance. Read the full article at FierceHealthFinance