The EMS Records Unit is responsible for responding to requests for records concerning ambulance transport services provided to patients. For more information please review the Notice of Privacy Practices (PDF, opens in a new tab) .
Understanding an Ambulance Bill
City policy establishes full cost recovery associated with providing ambulance transportation to patients. The charges for ambulance transportation are established by City ordinance (PDF, opens in a new tab) and the current rates are set forth in Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 22.210.2(b) (PDF, opens in a new tab) . Even if a patient has insurance, their insurance may not cover the cost of the ambulance transport or may pay only a portion of the bill. This applies to Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private insurers. The LAFD's billing contractor, Digitech, will make every attempt to obtain payment from a patient's insurance carrier(s) but, if they are unable to verify insurance coverage or a carrier either denies a claim or pays only a portion of the bill, then the patient is responsible for any unpaid charges resulting from the ambulance transport.
Ambulance Billing Questions
Information regarding an ambulance bill may be obtained from the LAFD EMS billing contractor, Digitech, through the following patient portals:
- Ambulancebilling.com (opens in a new tab) — for transports on or before October 1, 2023
- LAFD.PayAmbulance.com (opens in a new tab) — for transports after October 1, 2023
From these portals, a patient or authorized representative may:
- Obtain the balance on the account
- Update the patient's insurance information
- Make a payment using a credit or debit card
Digitech representatives are available by phone between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time:
- (888) 772-3203 — for transports on or before October 1, 2023
- (833) 532-2238 — for transports after October 1, 2023
Digitech can also be reached by email at LAFD@PayAmbulance.com for transports after October 1, 2023.
To protect patient privacy, representatives must speak with the patient or a minor patient's parent or legal guardian. Unless authorized by a patient to receive medical information and records, third-party callers may only update a patient's insurance information.
Errors or Omissions
The LAFD ambulance billing contractor, Digitech, can assist with correcting any errors or omissions on an ambulance bill. To protect the patient's privacy, representatives must speak with the patient or a minor patient's parent or legal guardian. Third-party callers may only update a patient's insurance information. A patient may be asked to submit a completed Request For EMS Billing Correction or Exemption (PDF, opens in a new tab) form along with an explanation of the billing error and any supporting documentation.
For Those Experiencing Financial Difficulties
Patients experiencing financial difficulties may qualify for low-income assistance. Eligibility criteria are explained on the Request For EMS Billing Low Income Assistance form (PDF, opens in a new tab) . Patients requesting low-income assistance should submit the completed form and all required supporting documentation proving eligibility to the LAFD at the address listed on Page 2 of the form.
Patient Medical Records
When patients are treated and/or transported via ambulance by LAFD emergency medical services personnel, records are routinely prepared and may be available to the patient and their authorized representatives. Fees may apply. Since medical records are highly confidential under Federal and State law, the LAFD must follow stringent guidelines when responding to requests to release medical records and other protected health information (PHI). These requirements are designed to ensure that a patient's medical record remains confidential and is only released at the request of the patient or as otherwise allowed under law.
A patient or authorized representative may request copies of medical records by following the steps below:
Step 1 – Complete an Authorization Form
Complete an Authorization For Release of Protected Health Information (PDF, opens in a new tab) form.
The purpose of this form is to provide the LAFD with sufficient documentation to verify that the patient is authorizing the release of their confidential PHI, or that a third-party representative (such as a family member, caregiver, or attorney) is authorized to act on the patient's behalf regarding the release of confidential PHI. To avoid delays in processing, all required information and supporting documentation must be provided.
If a patient is incapacitated or otherwise unable to sign an authorization form and an authorized representative is acting on their behalf, the representative's relationship to the patient must be identified and official documentation evidencing the representative's legal authority to act and sign on the patient's behalf must be provided. The following legal documents are commonly submitted:
- Marriage Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Birth Certificate (of minor patient)
- Medical Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive
Step 2 – Include a Copy of Your Photo ID
Include a good-quality photocopy of the signatory's valid (unexpired) government-issued photo ID that clearly shows the signature. The signature on the patient's or authorized representative's photo ID must match the signature as it appears on the Authorization For Release of Protected Health Information form. Any discrepancy will result in the request being denied or postponed pending receipt of a new form with a valid, matching signature.
Step 3 – Submit Your Request
Submit the completed authorization form and all supporting documentation to LAFD EMS Records via:
- Mail to the address listed on the bottom of the authorization form, or
- Email to LAFD.EMSRecords@lacity.org
Questions regarding the release of medical records should be directed to LAFD EMS Records at LAFD.EMSRecords@lacity.org or by phone at (213) 978-3648 .
Civil Subpoenas for LAFD EMS-Related Records
The LAFD does not accept civil subpoenas via fax or email. Submit your subpoenas to the address below in person or via mail, and include a $15 check for the initial service fee payable to LA CITY FIRE DEPT.
LAFD EMS Records Unit
200 N. Main St., City Hall East, Room 1620
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The pick-up and payment of subpoenaed records is also conducted at the public counter at the address above.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Final subpoena processing fee | $15.00 |
| Per page (copies) | $0.10 |
| 911 audio recording (saved on compact disc) | $10.00 |
Public Counter Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon