Why does a fire engine respond when I’ve called for an ambulance?
All Contra Costa County Fire Protection District fire apparatus are staffed with three fire personnel, of which at least one is a firefighter paramedic. The firefighter paramedic is trained to provide advanced life saving medical aid. Therefore, a fire engine and an ambulance may both be dispatched to a medical aid call to rapidly provide advanced life saving medical services.

Why was I charged an ambulance fee when I refused transport?
The Treat No Transport (TNT) charge is assessed to help defray the cost of maintaining the vehicles and personnel necessary to respond immediately to emergency situations. Ambulances are staffed 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

What was I charged a first responder fee for the response of the fire department?
The first responder advanced life support fee (FRALS) is also assessed to help defray the cost of maintaining the vehicles and personnel necessary to respond immediately to emergency situations. Fire personnel are staffed and available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

What if I can’t pay?
If you cannot pay your bill, please contact patient billing services at (833) 532-2232 to determine your options and obtain further information. You may be eligible for an interest-free extended payment plan or compassionate care fee waiver. Unpaid bills will not be sent to collections while the patient is attempting in good faith to negotiate a reasonable payment plan. You can access a copy of the Compassionate Care Application here.

I pay taxes. Why am I being charged an additional fee?
Revenues from property taxes are insufficient to cover all the costs of a responsive, modern fire department. First Responder Fees and Treat Mo Transport charges were implemented to maintain rapid, high-quality emergency care for the citizens and visitors to the County.

Will my insurance cover the ambulance fee?
Insurance payments for ambulance transportation vary by provider type and policy. It is important to review your insurance policy so you understand what your insurance will pay. Insurance companies do not always cover 100% of the cost of 911 services. You may be responsible for copays, deductibles, or the total cost of services, depending on your health insurance plan. In addition, some insurance companies require pre-authorization of non-emergency ambulance service.

How do I make a payment?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Patients can make credit card payments over the phone and may also establish payment arrangements by contacting the billing department at (833) 532-2232. Payment can also be made online by visiting https://confire.payambulance.com.

I was assaulted. Why am I being charged?
If your bill is for services rendered for injuries you sustained as a crime victim, the State of California has a program to help. For further information or to apply for assistance, please call (800) 777-9229 or visit www.vcgcb.ca.gov.

Why am I being charged this much? How are the ambulance rates established?
Emergency ambulance billing rates are established by the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services Authority and approved by the Board of Supervisors. Ambulance fees typically include a base rate for treatment and transportation, a mileage rate, and an oxygen charge (if administered). A fee may also be charged if a medical assessment is performed but the patient refuses medical transport. Please visit the County EMS website for more detailed information at
https://cchealth.org/ems/ambulance-rates.php.

When did the fire department start charging for services?
January 1, 2016

Medicare denied my claim. What do I do now?
The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is available to assist you in addressing issues with Medicare. This is a free service to all persons over the age of sixty (60) and anyone receiving or eligible to receive Medicare benefits. Counseling is confidential. The contact number for Contra Costa County is (925) 602-4163.

Will I be sent to collections?
An account may be sent to a collection agency if the account is unpaid after 90 days and the amount payable is greater than $50.

What is the Compassionate Care Program (CCP)?
The CCP was established to address financial hardships. For patients who meet the criteria foreligibility, Contra Costa County Fire – EMS may discount up to 100% of a patient’s ambulance services bill. For more information, contact the EMS Division at billing_inquiries@cccfpd.org or (925) 941-3300 ext. 1401. The Compassionate Care Program application can be accessed here.