What is LifeNet’s patient destination policy?
The company’s goal is to deliver the highest possible patient care while respecting the patient’s rights and desires as an individual.
Who regulates LifeNet’s rates?
Rates are governed by contractual agreement and are approved by the government agency contracting with LifeNet.
How much of a tax subsidy does LifeNet get?
None at all. Though we operate very much like a public service, when it comes to tax subsidies, we receive nothing. We are a fee for service business.
Doesn’t LifeNet have a monopoly on services? Wouldn’t competition lower prices?
Competition and the threat of competition are fundamental concepts of capitalism. Few Americans question that retail competition contributes to lower prices, improved quality, and greater diversity in the delivery of most goods and services. If retail competition lowers prices, raises quality, and results in greater diversity of goods and services in other industries, why isn’t retail competition the most efficient form of competition for ambulance services? The conditions necessary for an effective retail transaction do not exist in most ambulance market segments (both emergency and non-emergency)
How does local government benefit by contracting with LifeNet to be the only ambulance service in our community?
In most cases, LifeNet operates under agreements awarded by local government. Although each agreement varies, in general, there are parts of each agreement that detail the benefits of utilizing LifeNet.