ETMC Cuts EMS Services to Some Cities

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center announced Thursday that effective in mid-July, it will no longer be stationing an ambulance fleet in the cities of Gladewater, Frankston, Van, Alto, and Wells. According to KETK, ETMC says this is due to cuts from Medicare and other hospital programs.

The official statement reads, “Due to cuts in reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System is reducing spending by 5 to 7 percent this year. These are difficult decisions to make but necessary to allow us to continue providing the core services needed by our community at large. Effective July 15, ETMC EMS will no longer be stationing a dedicated ambulance in the city of Gladewater, Frankston, Van, Alto and Wells. We have communicated with city officials for the past few months about these transitions and are currently in discussions with Alto and Wells for possible options.”