Ambulance Services

A: Thornton Fire Department uses a third party billing company, Wittman Enterprise, for all ambulance related charges. Wittman Enterprise provides complete ambulance billing in compliance with current local, state and federal laws and statues.  They effectively file and collect on claims with Medicare and Medicaid, as well as commercial health insurance providers. For further information regarding your bill or to make a payment, visit Wittman Enterprise. 

A: No patient will ever be denied or refused medical care or transport due to lack of insurance.  Any patient who has difficulty paying for services rendered should contact our billing company, Wittman Enterprise, at 1-800-906-6552 to set up a payment plan.

A: Thornton Fire Department follows all standard HIPAA regulations for release of records as well as requiring additional identification to ensure your private health information stays protected.  If you are a patient looking to get a copy of your medical record, you will need to complete a Request for Patient Records form and return it to fire administration offices, either by mail or you can fax at 303-538-7660.  If you have any questions about obtaining a copy of your medical records and/or patient privacy rights please contact the Privacy Officer at 303-538-7602.  

If you are with a Law Firm or Insurance agency looking for patient records you must have the patient complete a standard HIPAA release and include that with your request.

All requests should include as much information as possible and will need to state a specific date of service or time frame. In accordance with federal laws, The Fire Department may take up to 30 calendar days to review and respond to any request. A copy of the department's full policy on patient records is available upon request.  Contact Fire Administration at 303-538-7602 for more information.

A: The fire engines are utilized as the initial response, and the ambulances are used to transport patients to the hospital. Some situations do not warrant transport to the hospital, resulting in ‘patient refusal’. Therefore, the city acquires ambulances based on the number of anticipated transports to a hospital, not based on the total number of 911 calls.

A: There is a complex set of protocols that paramedics are responsible for learning and utilizing, under the direction of their Medical Director, who is a licensed emergency physician. Under these protocols, there are certain situations where they must transport to the hospital, and there are some situations where they can leave the patient on scene. The decision is not based on billing information or personal opinion, but rather it is based on the medical protocols. Often, they consult with an emergency physician over the phone before making the final decision.