Urbandale to switch EMS billing vendor after operational shortfalls with prior contractor

The Urbandale City Council approved a new services agreement to change EMS billing vendors, accepting staff’s recommendation to sever the city’s contract with EMSMC and partner with Physicians Claims Company (PCC).

Chief Cardwell said the city and finance department experienced repeated problems with EMSMC, including failures to file some claims properly and a failure to pursue GEMT (state reimbursement) filings. After reviewing alternatives and consulting peer agencies (including nearby Clive), staff recommended PCC as a viable replacement. The chief said three other agencies had already left EMSMC and that PCC previously bid on the city’s project five years ago. Staff and legal reviewed the proposed agreement.

Councilmembers asked about collection and write‑off targets. The chief said the department’s operational target is to collect on all eligible accounts, with typical write‑offs less than 10% and those usually partial. Council voted to approve council letter 8424 to implement the vendor change.