EMS Billing

Emergency Medical Services Payments and Inquiry

Baytown Fire Department must follow Federal Government Guidelines for the billing and coding (categorizing medical conditions) of ambulance patients. Our billing staff will use the information documented on the run report to determine the appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes that apply to your ambulance transport.

If you have not been previously transported by Baytown Fire Department and complete Medicare or insurance information was not obtained at the time the ambulance service was provided, our office will attempt to contact you by phone to obtain your insurance information. If we are unable to contact you, an invoice will be sent to you, along with a request for your insurance or Medicare information. Please complete the form and return it to our office. Our address is, Baytown Fire Department, 201 E Wye Dr., Baytown, Texas 77521, or you may call our office at 281-422-0044. The information may also be faxed to us at 1-281-503-7779. If Baytown Fire Department has previously transported you, and we have current Medicare or insurance information in our billing system, one of the following will occur:

  • Medicare Part B coverage, our office will file a claim to Medicare Part B on your behalf. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare has been billed. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process your claim.
  • Medicare Part B and Medicaid coverage, our office will file a claim to Medicare Part B on your behalf. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare has been billed. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process your claim. If Medicare approves your claim for payment, the balance will be billed to Medicaid.
  • Medicare Part B and supplemental insurance, our office will file a claim to Medicare Part B on your behalf. You will receive a letter notifying you that Medicare has been billed. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for Medicare to process your claim. If Medicare approves your claim for payment, and we have your supplemental insurance information, our office will file a claim on your behalf for the co-insurance amount.
  • Medicare HMO or other insurance that is your primary coverage, our office will file a claim on your behalf. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for your insurance to process your claim.
  • If your transport was a result of a Motor Vehicle Accident, our office will send a letter requesting your automobile insurance information. We request that you complete the form in its entirety. Once the completed information is returned to our office, we will file a claim to your insurance carrier. Your account will be placed on hold, allowing ample time for your insurance company to process your claim.
  • If you have Medicaid coverage only, your transport must meet the criteria Medicaid has established for ambulance transports, in order for our office to file a claim on your behalf. The fact that you are eligible for Medicaid does not guarantee that Medicaid will pay for your transport. If you have any questions regarding Medicaid’s criteria, please refer to your Medicaid Handbook or call your local Medicaid Transportation Office.

Unfortunately, not all claims filed by Baytown Fire Department are paid by Medicare or insurance companies. Medicare and insurance companies have their own specific criteria for payment of claims, and not all transports meet their criteria, which may result in a denied claim. There are specific procedures for refiling claims, and you may want to consult with either Medicare or your insurance carrier for further information and assistance. Our customer service representatives at Baytown Fire Department are very knowledgeable and experienced in the procedures for refiling claims. They may be able to assist you in the refiling process. 

Baytown Fire Department is a division of the City of Baytown, therefore, we are unable to offer any discounts or negotiate any reductions in our established rates.

Forms of Payment and Payment Plans

The preferred method of payment for bills is online by credit card (American Express is not accepted). For your convenience, Baytown Fire Department also accepts other forms of payment, including by mail with checks or money orders. 

If you are unable to pay the account balance in full, monthly payment arrangements are available.