From: "Gregg N" 

"Mark"  wrote in message
news:43bae4c2$1{at}w3.nls.net...
> This is really strange, this thread is the first I've ever heard of $1,000
> ambulance rides, I've never been charged and until now never talked to
> anyone that had. It must be a blue city thing.

Here is the Fairfax County, VA policy:

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr/EMS_billing/factsheet_ems.pdf

There is a charge, but usually it is either covered by insurance or
medicare, or is waived for financial hardship. From that document:

2. How is charging for emergency medical transport service authorized?

On May 24, 2004, the County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of
Section 4-26-1 of the Fairfax County Code that establishes a fee schedule
for
Emergency Medical Service Transports provided by vehicles operated or
maintained by Fairfax County or permitted to Fairfax County. Additionally,
Section 32.1-111.14 of the Code of Virginia authorizes counties to make
reasonable
charges for the use of emergency medical service vehicles.

3. What are the charges for emergency medical services?

Charges include: $300 for Basic Life Support (BLS) transport; $400 for Advanced
Life Support, level 1, (ALS1) transport, (serious medical problems or traumatic
injury); $550 for Advanced Life Support, level 2 (ALS2) transport, (cardiac arrest);
and $7.50 per mile, from pick-up point to the hospital for ground transport.

4. If I don’t have health insurance, and cannot pay my bill, what options do I have?

Patients transported who do not have health insurance will be sent a request for
information that will include a financial hardship waiver form.

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