Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 Sept. 19, 2006, 3:54AM County debates weight-loss surgery as employee benefit Associated Press AUSTIN - County is considering a pilot program to offer weight-loss surgery to its employees after a review suggested the move could save money in the long run. County commissioners may decide today whether to pay for up to 15 bariatric surgeries per year during a five-year trial. The surgeries, which involve reducing the size of the stomach or rerouting the intestines, would each cost about $15,000 to $25,000, the county said. " Unfortunately, the program is obviously very needed, " County Judge Sam Biscoe said. " We do have more than our fair share of employees who qualify. " To qualify, county employees would have to be diagnosed with morbid obesity and go through one year of monitored unsuccessful dieting and exercise. The county estimates that 300 to 400 of its 4,100 employees would be eligible for the surgery. While an annual review of the county's health care plan found that the surgeries could save money, the county's staff has not provided conclusive data, Biscoe said. Commissioner Gerald Daugherty said the pilot program is a worthwhile test of whether the policy will work. He said it would take only a fraction of the county's $60 million health care budget. " To me, it's a calculated way to see if we can help ourselves out since we're self-insured, " he said. , executive director for the Texas Municipal League's Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, said Texas cities that have covered bariatric surgeries found them to cost more than anticipated. The high costs caused the cities to scale back their coverage, she said, adding that County's cost estimates are probably too low. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. It says weight-loss surgery has been found to help with conditions such as diabetes, asthma and hypertension. said the health benefits of weight-loss surgery prompted the municipal league to begin offering coverage starting next month. Its insurance will cover 50 percent of the cost, up to $30,000. The procedure will be available only to those who have demonstrated they cannot otherwise lose weight, she said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? 2. Who made the folks on this list responsible for trouble shooting the service provided in Austin? 3. Would we like all of this hype made about our service? 4. They have issues that many of us would never have to deal with in our life time. Would we do any better? I know this is not true, but to the casual reader the post on this list would lead one to believe that their are sour grapes involved. Who do we beat up next week, Houston. Galveston, Dallas, Port Lavaca, Waco, Who? Someone said a while back that EMS eats their young. Hell we eat anyone that gets within an arms reach. Here is how we evolve ; ECA(eager to learn) EMT(we think we are smarter than the ECA but still willing to learn) Paramedic (we are the smartest sum bitch on earth and no one in the medical field knows anything but us) Paramedic Administrator (same as paramedic until we get our butt handed to us several times by real life) Administrator ready to retire(we have learned that we are not nearly as smart as we thought we were NOTE: the Paramedics informed us of this fact) So here it comes with the gasoline on my body: If Dr. Racht and the Administration of Austin EMS do not want other Paramedics in their coverage area working at that level, then that is their business. Responsibility is a pretty heavy load to carry. Henry One parting thought on the Austin EMS credentialing process (and on life in general, including EMS).... The process is not the goal. The process is how we get to the goal. -Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B Austin, Texas __________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 My responses have been about ALS First Responders in particular. It is a big deal for those services and/or personnel associated with or in Austin. It never hurts to offer an opinion or raise a question for discussion. It usually causes heartache and discontent, but it can also lead to a better understanding and better way of doing things. Opinions and discussions can either be used or not. Henry Barber wrote: I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? 2. Who made the folks on this list responsible for trouble shooting the service provided in Austin? 3. Would we like all of this hype made about our service? 4. They have issues that many of us would never have to deal with in our life time. Would we do any better? I know this is not true, but to the casual reader the post on this list would lead one to believe that their are sour grapes involved. Who do we beat up next week, Houston. Galveston, Dallas, Port Lavaca, Waco, Who? Someone said a while back that EMS eats their young. Hell we eat anyone that gets within an arms reach. Here is how we evolve ; ECA(eager to learn) EMT(we think we are smarter than the ECA but still willing to learn) Paramedic (we are the smartest sum bitch on earth and no one in the medical field knows anything but us) Paramedic Administrator (same as paramedic until we get our butt handed to us several times by real life) Administrator ready to retire(we have learned that we are not nearly as smart as we thought we were NOTE: the Paramedics informed us of this fact) So here it comes with the gasoline on my body: If Dr. Racht and the Administration of Austin EMS do not want other Paramedics in their coverage area working at that level, then that is their business. Responsibility is a pretty heavy load to carry. Henry One parting thought on the Austin EMS credentialing process (and on life in general, including EMS).... The process is not the goal. The process is how we get to the goal. -Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B Austin, Texas __________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 > > I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? > > 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? I live in Austin. My family lives in Austin. We're taxpayers in Austin. They're a public service that serves me. I have significant interest in how the service is run, especially when you look at the significant portion of the city and county budget that go towards public safety, and when all agencies are jockeying for funds. Then you have county ESD's who are under-funded (by legislative caveat), who have staff who would like to provide a service, who are stifled by a process they couldn't hope to afford to support - all in the name of greater care. I have to wonder - if Austin runs new-hire classes of 12 people, cutting the " precepting " time from 720 hours to 240 hours would allow for the addition of two complete people per class - 14 rather than 12 - at the same cost figure. That's more than a 15% increase in personnel for the same money in the first year. If you're understaffed, and you're using my tax money to staff up, why shouldn't I call out potential problems in the process being used? Why can't I demand accountability from " Clinical Practice " and wonder why they can't clear a medic to work in their system in 10 shifts (1 month, 240 hours), then keep tabs on them through a comprehensive QA/QI process (BTW, wasn't that supposed to be a recertification option, the CCMP?)? This list, however, is a great resource for bouncing ideas off of folks. You may think you're immune, Henry, but wait until someone files the Open Records Act requests with you and demands accountability in some process you've got (not directly, anecdotally...). Mike :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 No, I think you are using good judgment and making your system flexible. I think that what you did not say was that others were credentialed in a much shorter time. You adapt your system to the individual employee's needs and to your needs, and that is what ought to be done instead of an arbitrary number of hours spent in god knows what that may or may not benefit anybody. So I don't see any parallels between your system and ATCEMS. GG > > WOW...I guess we are worse than Austin down south here...we have some folks > who were not cleared to work on their own as a 2nd in 240 hours and we have a > couple who have not tested to be protocoled in their first 6 months...we > must be totally unreasonable as well. > > BTW, Mike, did you attend the TC and Austin elected officials meetings to > bring up your concerns about the size of the budgets for EMS? I am sure that > they would appreciate your input, and change may be elicited.... BTW, Mike, did > you attend the TC and Austin elected officials meetings to bring up your > concerns about the size > > One more BTW, what is the tax cost percentage of Austin EMS or Austin Fire? > How many cents is it? I am assuming it must be 15 or 20 cents each if the > ESD's are so poorly funded.... > > I do know in our communities that ten cents of tax would be a HUGE increase > over the budgets of our current taxing system.... > > Dudley > > > Re: Austin > > > > > > I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and > I have several questions? > > > > 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this > manner why is it any of our business? > > I live in Austin. My family lives in Austin. We're taxpayers in > Austin. They're a public service that serves me. I have significant > interest in how the service is run, especially when you look at the > significant portion of the city and county budget that go towards > public safety, and when all agencies are jockeying for funds. > > Then you have county ESD's who are under-funded (by legislative > caveat), who have staff who would like to provide a service, who are > stifled by a process they couldn't hope to afford to support - all in > the name of greater care. > > I have to wonder - if Austin runs new-hire classes of 12 people, > cutting the " precepting " time from 720 hours to 240 hours would allow > for the addition of two complete people per class - 14 rather than 12 > - at the same cost figure. That's more than a 15% increase in > personnel for the same money in the first year. If you're > understaffed, and you're using my tax money to staff up, why shouldn't > I call out potential problems in the process being used? Why can't I > demand accountability from " Clinical Practice " and wonder why they > can't clear a medic to work in their system in 10 shifts (1 month, 240 > hours), then keep tabs on them through a comprehensive QA/QI process > (BTW, wasn't that supposed to be a recertification option, the CCMP?)? > > This list, however, is a great resource for bouncing ideas off of folks. > > You may think you're immune, Henry, but wait until someone files the > Open Records Act requests with you and demands accountability in some > process you've got (not directly, anecdotally. pro > > Mike :/ > > ____________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security > tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free > AOL Mail and more. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 WOW Henry!!!! I don't care what your paramedics told you...your one purty smart fella..... Way to put it into a nutshell. Dudley Re: Austin I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? 2. Who made the folks on this list responsible for trouble shooting the service provided in Austin? 3. Would we like all of this hype made about our service? 4. They have issues that many of us would never have to deal with in our life time. Would we do any better? I know this is not true, but to the casual reader the post on this list would lead one to believe that their are sour grapes involved. Who do we beat up next week, Houston. Galveston, Dallas, Port Lavaca, Waco, Who? Someone said a while back that EMS eats their young. Hell we eat anyone that gets within an arms reach. Here is how we evolve ; ECA(eager to learn) EMT(we think we are smarter than the ECA but still willing to learn) Paramedic (we are the smartest sum bitch on earth and no one in the medical field knows anything but us) Paramedic Administrator (same as paramedic until we get our butt handed to us several times by real life) Administrator ready to retire(we have learned that we are not nearly as smart as we thought we were NOTE: the Paramedics informed us of this fact) So here it comes with the gasoline on my body: If Dr. Racht and the Administration of Austin EMS do not want other Paramedics in their coverage area working at that level, then that is their business. Responsibility is a pretty heavy load to carry. Henry One parting thought on the Austin EMS credentialing process (and on life in general, including EMS).... The process is not the goal. The process is how we get to the goal. -Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT-B Austin, Texas __________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 WOW...I guess we are worse than Austin down south here...we have some folks who were not cleared to work on their own as a 2nd in 240 hours and we have a couple who have not tested to be protocoled in their first 6 months...we must be totally unreasonable as well. BTW, Mike, did you attend the TC and Austin elected officials meetings to bring up your concerns about the size of the budgets for EMS? I am sure that they would appreciate your input, and change may be elicited....I am not sure anyone on this list has the capability to make change to that system...but those elected sure can. One more BTW, what is the tax cost percentage of Austin EMS or Austin Fire? How many cents is it? I am assuming it must be 15 or 20 cents each if the ESD's are so poorly funded.... I do know in our communities that ten cents of tax would be a HUGE increase over the budgets of our current taxing system.... Dudley Re: Austin > > I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? > > 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? I live in Austin. My family lives in Austin. We're taxpayers in Austin. They're a public service that serves me. I have significant interest in how the service is run, especially when you look at the significant portion of the city and county budget that go towards public safety, and when all agencies are jockeying for funds. Then you have county ESD's who are under-funded (by legislative caveat), who have staff who would like to provide a service, who are stifled by a process they couldn't hope to afford to support - all in the name of greater care. I have to wonder - if Austin runs new-hire classes of 12 people, cutting the " precepting " time from 720 hours to 240 hours would allow for the addition of two complete people per class - 14 rather than 12 - at the same cost figure. That's more than a 15% increase in personnel for the same money in the first year. If you're understaffed, and you're using my tax money to staff up, why shouldn't I call out potential problems in the process being used? Why can't I demand accountability from " Clinical Practice " and wonder why they can't clear a medic to work in their system in 10 shifts (1 month, 240 hours), then keep tabs on them through a comprehensive QA/QI process (BTW, wasn't that supposed to be a recertification option, the CCMP?)? This list, however, is a great resource for bouncing ideas off of folks. You may think you're immune, Henry, but wait until someone files the Open Records Act requests with you and demands accountability in some process you've got (not directly, anecdotally...). Mike :/ ________________________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2006 Report Share Posted December 4, 2006 > > BTW, Mike, did you attend the TC and Austin elected officials meetings to bring up your concerns about the size of the budgets for EMS? I am sure that they would appreciate your input, and change may be elicited....I am not sure anyone on this list has the capability to make change to that system...but those elected sure can. M> Actually, I have. Both, although my county commissioner for this part of the county is a lame duck after the last election. I've also submitted a letter of interest for several committees and work groups appointed by the City Council and am working with my party chair on the candidate slate for the next series of elections. And yes, I subscribe to the RSS feed for legislative bill information - it's in my Google Reader. I'm not the uninformed one nor unwilling to work. Those on this list are a good sounding board, as evidenced by the replies I've received off list. Too bad they don't feel like posting on-list, but I can't say I don't understand. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 5, 2006 Report Share Posted December 5, 2006 No one is immune, and my doors are always open to the public, the commissioners or any other taxpayer in my county. That's who I work for and answer to. I agree you have the right as a tax payer to question the services that you receive for your taxes. I am not pointing fingers here, I would think that as a taxpayer and concerned citizen that your concerns should be addressed to the Austin EMS leadership, Dr. Racht or the city council. My issue was with it being discussed in this forum. I agree this site is good for bouncing ideas off each other. This topic looked more like a lynching to me so I commented. And Mike I was not pointing to any one individual that commented. I vary rarely look at who post unless it is to poke fun at them. I like to bug Gene quite a bit. So please don't take this personal because I know it is easy to do. Just look at the first two lines of this post and you will see what I mean. Henry Re: Austin > > I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and I have several questions? > > 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this manner why is it any of our business? I live in Austin. My family lives in Austin. We're taxpayers in Austin. They're a public service that serves me. I have significant interest in how the service is run, especially when you look at the significant portion of the city and county budget that go towards public safety, and when all agencies are jockeying for funds. Then you have county ESD's who are under-funded (by legislative caveat), who have staff who would like to provide a service, who are stifled by a process they couldn't hope to afford to support - all in the name of greater care. I have to wonder - if Austin runs new-hire classes of 12 people, cutting the " precepting " time from 720 hours to 240 hours would allow for the addition of two complete people per class - 14 rather than 12 - at the same cost figure. That's more than a 15% increase in personnel for the same money in the first year. If you're understaffed, and you're using my tax money to staff up, why shouldn't I call out potential problems in the process being used? Why can't I demand accountability from " Clinical Practice " and wonder why they can't clear a medic to work in their system in 10 shifts (1 month, 240 hours), then keep tabs on them through a comprehensive QA/QI process (BTW, wasn't that supposed to be a recertification option, the CCMP?)? This list, however, is a great resource for bouncing ideas off of folks. You may think you're immune, Henry, but wait until someone files the Open Records Act requests with you and demands accountability in some process you've got (not directly, anecdotally...). Mike :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 5, 2006 Report Share Posted December 5, 2006 WAAAAhaaaaaaa!! Henry hates me! He has cut me to the quick, and now I must go through life with a cut quick. Nah! Just kidding. Pass me another brew, Henry! GG > > No one is immune, and my doors are always open to the public, the > commissioners or any other taxpayer in my county. That's who I work for and answer to. > I agree you have the right as a tax payer to question the services that you > receive for your taxes. I am not pointing fingers here, I would think that as > a taxpayer and concerned citizen that your concerns should be addressed to > the Austin EMS leadership, Dr. Racht or the city council. My issue was with it > being discussed in this forum. I agree this site is good for bouncing ideas > off each other. This topic looked more like a lynching to me so I commented. > And Mike I was not pointing to any one individual that commented. I vary > rarely look at who post unless it is to poke fun at them. I like to bug Gene quite > a bit. So please don't take this personal because I know it is easy to do. > Just look at the first two lines of this post and you will see what I mean. > > Henry > Re: Austin > > > > > > I have read all the post relating to Austin EMS whatever it is called and > I have several questions? > > > > 1. What is the big deal? If they choose to run their service in this > manner why is it any of our business? > > I live in Austin. My family lives in Austin. We're taxpayers in > Austin. They're a public service that serves me. I have significant > interest in how the service is run, especially when you look at the > significant portion of the city and county budget that go towards > public safety, and when all agencies are jockeying for funds. > > Then you have county ESD's who are under-funded (by legislative > caveat), who have staff who would like to provide a service, who are > stifled by a process they couldn't hope to afford to support - all in > the name of greater care. > > I have to wonder - if Austin runs new-hire classes of 12 people, > cutting the " precepting " time from 720 hours to 240 hours would allow > for the addition of two complete people per class - 14 rather than 12 > - at the same cost figure. That's more than a 15% increase in > personnel for the same money in the first year. If you're > understaffed, and you're using my tax money to staff up, why shouldn't > I call out potential problems in the process being used? Why can't I > demand accountability from " Clinical Practice " and wonder why they > can't clear a medic to work in their system in 10 shifts (1 month, 240 > hours), then keep tabs on them through a comprehensive QA/QI process > (BTW, wasn't that supposed to be a recertification option, the CCMP?)? > > This list, however, is a great resource for bouncing ideas off of folks. > > You may think you're immune, Henry, but wait until someone files the > Open Records Act requests with you and demands accountability in some > process you've got (not directly, anecdotally. p > > Mike :/ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 In a message dated 12/5/2006 11:39:26 P.M. Central Standard Time, wegandy1938@... writes: WAAAAhaaaaaaa!! Henry hates me! He has cut me to the quick, and now I must go through life with a cut quick. We could always use quick clot on your cut quick couldn't we? Louis N. Molino, Sr., CET FF/NREMT-B/FSI/EMSI Freelance Consultant/Trainer/Author/Journalist/Fire Protection Consultant LNMolino@... (Cell Phone) (Home Phone) (IFW/TFW/FSS Office) (IFW/TFW/FSS Fax) " A Texan with a Jersey Attitude " " Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people " Eleanor Roosevelt - US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962) The comments contained in this E-mail are the opinions of the author and the author alone. I in no way ever intend to speak for any person or organization that I am in any way whatsoever involved or associated with unless I specifically state that I am doing so. Further this E-mail is intended only for its stated recipient and may contain private and or confidential materials retransmission is strictly prohibited unless placed in the public domain by the original author. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 The State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC) received an update to the dead bird situation in Austin, County. First entry into the area has been made and Biowatch filters tests were taken. The results will take approximately till noon. Several of the birds were examined with no apparent results, but initial tests revealed no volatile substances on the birds. Further examination of birds will be conducted. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) reports no apparent criminal activity, but continuing with their assessment. There are approximately 40 plus birds of multiple species dead in the area, with reports of other dead birds coming in from various parts of the city. Region 7 Emergency Operations Center has been activated. Texas Salvation Army (TSA) has a canteen in place for the responders. Regional Liaison Officer(RLO)6B and 6th Civil Support Team are on scene. (RLO 6B) -------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld Austin Hey has anyone heard about all the dead birds they found in downtown Austin? Fox news is reporting 60 dead birds were found this morning in downtown and they have a section of downtown closed off. The report stated Austin hazmat is on scene. Bernie Stafford EMTP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/01/09//9deadbirds.html Apparently no threat to humans, per the latest. -Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, EMT Austin, Texas Austin Hey has anyone heard about all the dead birds they found in downtown Austin? Fox news is reporting 60 dead birds were found this morning in downtown and they have a section of downtown closed off. The report stated Austin hazmat is on scene. Bernie Stafford EMTP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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