North Star Health Alliance partners with LifeNet of N.Y.

North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) recently announced a new partnership with LifeNet of New York, a community-based air medical program owned and operated by Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the nation. Through this preferred provider agreement (PPA), LifeNet of New York will serve as NSHA's primary air medical provider, ensuring more efficient and reliable patient transport for those in need of critical care.

"This partnership is an exciting development for our patients and the entire region," said Dominic Doldo, Vice President of Emergency Services and Security at North Star Health Alliance. "By collaborating with Air Methods' LifeNet of New York program, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care, particularly during those crucial moments when seconds matter most."

This agreement applies to Carthage Area Hospital (CAH), Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC), and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus (Claxton Campus). As part of this agreement, LifeNet of New York will provide air medical transport services that adhere to the highest standards of safety, clinical excellence, and quality assurance for patients. throughout the North Country.

LifeNet of New York's team - comprised of a pilot, nurse, paramedic, and on-call aviation mechanic - is highly trained and undergoes annual specialized training. Pilots train using Level D Full Flight Simulators, the most advanced simulation technology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and used by most commercial airlines. Clinicians receive hands-on training through Air Methods' multi-accredited, critical care clinical education program - Ascend - ensuring they perform at the top of their licensure.

Certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) - the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry - LifeNet provides hospital-level care during air medical transport, whether from the scene or between medical facilities. Equipped with industry-leading equipment and medical devices, the team can provide specialty care including advanced airway intervention; cardiac and blood flow monitoring; ventilator management; medication administration; and other advanced surgical procedures. On every flight, the team carries and can administer blood in flight or at the scene, further enhancing patient outcomes.

"We are thrilled to partner with NSHA," said LifeNet of New York Account Executive Colleen Gleeson. "Our crewmembers' expertise is unparalleled, and this agreement further strengthens NSHA's mission to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services and ensures patients receive the best care possible."

In the event air transport is needed and LifeNet of New York does not have an aircraft available, or the expected response time is not acceptable, other air medical providers will be contacted to ensure the patient's needs are adequately met.

Air Methods remains dedicated to serving communities across New York. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, ensuring that a membership is not required for service. Additionally, the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services.