The New York Times reported in 2014 that a swimming coach had broken three teeth and called an ambulance full of emergency medical staff. A week later, she received a bill for the 15-minute trip: $1772.42. According to the report, in the United States 30 years ago, ambulances to transport patients to hospitals were generally free of charge, and taxpayers would bear the cost. Today, most ambulance services are commercial operations, leading to a sharp rise in medical expenses in the United States. Although ambulances are usually called by passers-by or 911 dispatchers, bills are almost always sent to patients.
Then the problem is coming.How much does it cost to call an ambulance now in China?
Comparison of charges in four cities in Jiangsu(Statistics collected in March 2017)
- Nanjing
The fee for 3 kilometers is 40 RMB(approximately $6-8), the fee for more than 3 kilometers is 4 RMB/km (approximately 60-80cents/km)
12*4+40=88 RMB (approximately $13-15)
- Suzhou
The fee for a distance of 5 kilometers is 40 RMB(approximately $6-8), the fee for more than 5 kilometers is 4 RMB/km (approximately 60-80cents/km)
10*4+40= 80 RMB (approximately $13-15)
- Nantong
he fee for a distance of 5 kilometers is 40 RMB; the fee for more than 5 kilometers is 4 RMB/km (approximately 60-80cents/km)
10*4+40= 80 RMB (approximately $12-15)
- Yancheng
The fee is 40 RMB within 7 kilometers. The charge for more than 7 kilometers is 4 RMB/km (approximately 60-80cents/km)
8*4+40= 72 RMB(approximately $11-14)
(Note: The above price does not include the cost of pre-hospital emergency rescue and the use of first aid equipment in the ambulance)
Because the pre-hospital medical emergency is a public welfare undertaking organized by the state, the charging standard is determined by the price department, and the full amount is turned over to the local finance after receipt. Therefore, in China, the cost of an ambulance is indeed far greater than the fees charged.
Yes, the cost of an ambulance is slightly higher than the cost of a taxi.
But the ambulance is operating at a loss.
What's in the ambulance? What does the fee include?
An ambulance is equivalent to a mobile ICU. In addition to the configuration of medical equipment, it must also be equipped with a driver, a doctor, a nurse, and a stretcher. In addition to fuel consumption and vehicle damage, the cost of the vehicle can be imagined. And know.
For example, Nanjing: The pre-hospital emergency rescue fee is 138 RMB (approximately $20-22) each time.
For example, Suzhou: The pre-hospital emergency rescue fee is 90 RMB (approximately $14)each time, including visits, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, monitoring, nursing, injection, oxygen, materials, disinfection, stretcher lifting, etc.
That is to say: The cost of the vehicle is as in the form, but the use of in-vehicle equipment and medical personnel are charged separately.
Simply put, it’s shipping and special service fees.
Due to the patient’s condition, services such as electrical defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, tracheal intubation, ventilator assisted breathing, electrocardiogram examination, and external fixation of fractures are provided in accordance with relevant regulations.
The price of medical security services for major events of enterprises and institutions shall be determined through negotiation between the two parties.
The emergency rescue of public emergencies shall not be charged at that time, and shall be implemented in accordance with relevant government regulations based on the nature of public emergencies.
Why is the ambulance not free?
Since it is already below the cost price, why not just free of charge?
From an economic point of view, the amount of fees charged can ensure that the resources are applied to those who need it more. Public resources are also scarce resources and should be used by those who need it more! !
If the ambulance is completely free, it will inevitably lead to people with serious and minor illnesses who will choose to call an ambulance-today I have a heart attack, ambulance! ! ! I have a cold tomorrow, ambulance! ! !
The ambulance is free anyway, and I am indeed sick, why not use it?
