Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are evolving to meet rising healthcare costs, crowded emergency departments, and changing patient needs. In the recent white paper “Rethinking EMS Delivery: A New Era of Innovation and Accountability,” PCG’s Ken Riddle explores innovative EMS delivery models, like Treatment-in-Place, Transport to Alternate Destinations, and Mobile Integrated Health, highlighting strategies for flexible, patient-centered, and sustainable emergency care.

Traditional transport-to-ED models are being replaced by innovative approaches that treat patients on scene, direct them to the right care, and extend services into the community. Programs like Treatment-in-Place (TIP), Transport to Alternate Destination (TAD), and Mobile Integrated Health/Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP) are proving that EMS can deliver patient-centered, cost-effective, and measurable care while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.

Success requires a strong foundation of sustainable funding, robust data infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. By combining Medicaid and MCO reimbursement, leveraging technology for performance and care coordination, and fostering buy-in from providers, policymakers, and communities, EMS agencies can scale these models effectively. With supportive state policies and a focus on flexibility, integration, and accountability, the opportunity to transform EMS delivery has never been more achievable.