Lexington’s community paramedicine program is working to save citizens, local government, and private insurers thousands of dollars. That was the gist of a report offered to Lexington council members Tuesday.
A federal grant of $277,000 enabled paramedics to lend assistance to patients and, in so doing, greatly reducing visits to the emergency department.
Fire Chief Kristen Chilton says in some cases these paramedics will accompany patients to doctors’ offices. “Try to facilitate the health care system, along with their medicine, along with their family and be able to help them navigate for the resources that they need,” said Chilton.
Battalion Chief Chad Traylor told council 233 individuals, who had ten or more annual visits to the hospital, amounted to 4000 ambulance runs last year. He said a sizeable number are homeless.
Council Member Richard Moloney believes it’s a program which also benefits hospitals. “I see potential for the private sector to come in. I see hospitals coming in on this, cause you start showing the money you save, not only for the city, you’re saving money for hospitals and I see them coming on board to helping us out on this,” noted Moloney.
Traylor says the federal grant money runs out the end of the year. Chief Chilton hopes council will appropriate funding in the next budget to continue the community paramedicine program.
