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BOOK 99 PAU <br />pay basis until such time as his company could get approval for a <br />contract with the County Transportation Coordinator. The contract <br />is necessary to bill for Medicare and other governmental payments. <br />The general consensus of those attending the meeting was that a <br />need did not exist at this time for an additional wheelchair <br />transportation provider in the County. Notes of the informational <br />meeting are attached for review. <br />In addition to the information received at the meeting referenced <br />above, the following documents or phone calls were received by the <br />EMS Director: <br />1) Letter dated May 6, 1996, from Bruce R. Miller of Royal <br />Palm Retirement Residence, 2180 10th Avenue, Vero Beach. Mr. <br />Miller stated he was opposed to the certificate of need process for <br />wheelchair customers who pay with private funds. He indicated that <br />Royal Palm has been using Able of Sebastian for their needs and the <br />needs of their residents. He further indicated that the Community <br />Coach is their only alternative to Able of Sebastian. He met with <br />the Community Coach Director and obtained information' on <br />availability and hours of operation. After that meeting, he <br />determined that the Community Coach service was not consistent with <br />their needs, because the limited hours would not help on'fieldtrips and outings that they plan during normal hours. He felt they <br />would not be able to plan outings on weekends or after 5:00 P.M. <br />when the Coaches are not in service throughout the County. He <br />lamented that their facility operation should not have to be <br />changed to accommodate the Community Coach's schedule and noted <br />that he wants service that can meet their needs. <br />Mr. Miller stated that Able of Sebastian is doing an adequate job, <br />but he felt if something were to happen to their equipment (their <br />vans are from 70's) and/or one of the two drivers, service would be <br />severely curtailed. In that case, he did not see an alternative <br />that would meet his facility's needs and they would be unable to <br />offer quality, timely, and affordable wheelchair services to their <br />residents. <br />He ended his letter by stating for the reasons alluded to, that <br />there is a need for more quality private wheelchair providers in <br />the County. He wanted this information conveyed to the County <br />Commissioners and was hopeful that new providers with new equipment <br />could be brought in so facilities such as his could provide their <br />residents with the best service available. <br />---2) Able provided fourteen (14) form letters which were the <br />results of a survey the company completed during the period May 23 <br />through June 7, 1996. One of the survey forms (not listed below) <br />was from another county and it was not considered. Survey <br />documents indicated they were received from the following <br />facilities or individuals in Indian River County: <br />Associated Home Health of Palm Beach <br />Visiting Nurse Association of Treasure Coast <br />Indian River Surqery Center <br />Staff Builders Home Health <br />Doctor's Clinic <br />Vero Home Care <br />Renal Care Center <br />Vero Orthopedics <br />Florida Eye Institute <br />Indian River Village Care Center <br />Sebastian River Medical Center <br />Community Quick Medical Clinic <br />IHS Vero Beach <br />27 <br />September 24, 1996 <br />