Aetna’s Amy Griskus Promoted to Medicare Office Supervisor

MANCHESTER — On April 28th, 2017 Aetna’s Amy Griskus was promoted to the position of Medicare Office Supervisor.

Amy has worked for Aetna since October 2007, reviewing and processing Patient Care Reports (PCR’s), interacting with Medicare patients and payors, maintaining a knowledge of billing practices to ensure Medicare compliance, and much more. On behalf of Aetna and ASM, we would like to congratulate Amy and look forward to more great things from her.

Aetna Company Newsletter

Aetna Ambulance Service, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of The Grady Report, the Aetna employee newsletter. Released quarterly, The Grady Report will feature numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor.

 

ASM Company Newsletter!

The Ambulance Service of Manchester is pleased to announce the release of Pulse, the ASM employee newsletter. Released quarterly, Pulse will feature numerous articles outlining company news and events, training opportunities, case studies (periodically), health and wellness tips, and more. Additionally, each issue will contain an Employee Spotlight article, recognizing an EMT or Paramedic that has demonstrated a commitment to patients and co-workers alike via positive attitude, work ethic, and overall inspiring demeanor. The first issue of Aetna’s employee newsletter will be released on May 1st.

Click above to view!

Stryker Power Pro Stretchers Arrive!

MANCHESTER- On March 7th, 2017, The Ambulance Service of Manchester and Aetna Ambulance received 50 Stryker Power Pro XT Model 6506 Stretchers to be placed into service in the near future.

 

 “This industry- leading ambulance cot utilizes an innovative battery-powered hydraulic system to raise and lower the cot at the touch of a button.”

 

In addition to the numerous advances that come stock with these units, ASM and Aetna will be adding steering-locks as an after-market upgrade that will increase ease of use and maneuverability. The implementation of these new stretchers will help ensure the comfort and safety for both crews and patients alike. Installation for the ASM vehicles should be completed by the end of next week. Aetna should expect to see them in service in early April.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Five – 2017

HARTFORD — On February 20, 2017, five EMTs were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth, Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Amy Lee: FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Amy Lee. I am 22 years old, and a UCONN student pursuing a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology. Currently, I am taking some time off to work in EMS. I have been working as an EMT instructor for over a year, but I am still relatively new to working in the field. I completed my EMT course in NYC about two years ago. I plan on applying to medical school or PA school within the next two years.


 Stuart Buchanan: FULL TIME, EMT. I am 24 years old, currently living in Windsor, CT. I’ve lived in Connecticut all my life and I am proud to call it home. I enjoy going to the gym, biking, swimming, the occasional video game or two, and traveling when I can find the time. I’m currently looking to get into martial arts and I am learning the German language. I attended Capital Community College, where I enrolled in their EMT course and loved it from the start. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the support that EMS brings to a community. In addition, the job has turned out to be very rewarding and it’s nice to occasionally put a smile on someone’s face when they see you arrive. I hope someday to be able to provide even more and become a Paramedic when the time and experience comes. I’ve been volunteering at Windsor Ambulance for about 7 months, and can’t wait to get started working in the city. I look forward to my new career at Aetna Ambulance and I am happy to be a part of such an amazing team!


Ryan Jano: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m Ryan Jano, full-time EMT new hire.I am 21 years old from Simsbury, CT. I have been in my town’s volunteer fire company since I was 15. I have been in EMS since I was a senior in high school. I plan on going to the Capitol Community College Paramedic Science Program. Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, working on and modifying cars, hiking, and weight lifting.


Kate Filosi: FULL TIME, EMT. Hello! My name is Kate Filosi and I am 23 years old.  I am from Killingworth, a small town down by the shoreline. I attended Michigan State University, where I majored in Kinesiology and minored in Health Promotion.  While at MSU, I competed for the Women’s Gymnastics team and absolutely loved my time as a Spartan.  Over the summer, I completed the accelerated EMT-B program at Code One Solutions in East Hartford and became nationally certified.  I am thrilled to begin learning from the Aetna team, and look forward to gaining experience in the EMS field. In the future, I hope to further my education by attending a Physician Assistant program and am especially interested in Emergency Medicine and Orthopedics.


Brandon Butler: FULL TIME, EMT. I’m 24 years old. I’m originally from Plainville, CT where I was an active firefighter from 2012 until October 2016. I then moved to East Hampton, CT with my wife and our two kids where I have been active with their fire department, as well as their EMS. I took my EMT course at Code 1 training Solutions in East Hartford. My long term goal for the future is to become a fire/medic or flight medic.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2017

MANCHESTER — On February 23, 2017 seven EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

William Lund:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is William Lund and I am 25 years old. I am originally from Monson, MA. I was a four year college athlete at Westfield State University (soccer), and currently I am an Active Air Force Reservist, serving as a Medical Technician. It is through the Air Force that  I received my EMT certification. My hobbies include anything outdoors but specifically fishing, camping, snowboarding, soccer, and corn hole.


Jenna Kinghorn:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Jenna Kinghorn. I am twenty-one years old. My interest in EMS came about when I started school, still not knowing what I really wanted to be, or what I wanted to do with my life. I began volunteering at Manchester 8th District Fire Department and quickly realized that I was more drawn to the medical calls. Shortly after, I enrolled in Hartford Hospital’s accelerated EMT program, and I knew I made the right decision. I immediately established a strong passion for emergency medicine. I have spent the past few months working in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital and while I loved the fast paced work environment, I am very excited to experience the first responder side of patient care through my role at ASM. My future goal is to become a K9 Officer. I believe ASM will help me achieve this goal by the experience I will be gaining in emergent situations, and provide me with the confidence and skill set needed for public safety. I am grateful for my opportunity to work at ASM, and I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the team.


Chris Dibenedetto:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Chris Dibenedetto I am 28 yrs, old, and from Manchester. I started working in the medical field as a Medical Assistant in 2010 at a doctors office. From there I took a job at ST. Francis Hospital. I received my EMT License in the summer of 2016, and started working as an ER Tech at the hospital. What made me want to become an EMT is the fact that I like being hands on with patients, and out in the field when a patient calls for help. A few hobbies of mine are being outdoors in the summer time, hanging out with my dog, or working on my car and traveling to different states to be in shows.


Orlando Diaz:  FULL TIME, EMT. Hello, my name is Orlando Diaz I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Meriden. I’m a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for the town of South Meriden. I’ve been there for over a year now. That’s where I received my experience so far as an EMT. I joined the South Meriden Fire Department to become a career firefighter one day, but the more EMS calls I go on, the more I fall in love with EMS. Eventually, I’m hoping to become a Paramedic. I love helping others, I’m a people person. Making people smile makes my day a lot better. I’m thankful ASM has given me a chance to get the EMT experience I need to become a Paramedic one day. I’m looking forward to learning and contributing as much as I can to ASM, and all of our communities.


Elizabeth Dowdy:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Liz Dowdy.  I am 24 years old, and originally from Wethersfield, but currently live in Rocky Hill, CT.  I have worked as a waitress for five years and have been coaching the Wethersfield High School Gymnastics team for the past two years while going to school.  During my time in college, I studied Criminal Justice for three years and decided to expand my education in Emergency Services and obtain my EMT certification.  I took my EMT class in the Fall of 2016 in East Hartford, and developed a strong interest in EMS.  I am beyond grateful to have this incredible opportunity to not only work for such a great company as ASM, but to also gain new experiences while caring for the community.


Kaitlyn Duley:  FULL TIME, EMT. I am 25 years old and a student at Capital Community College where I am working towards my nursing degree.  When I found out that my school offered an EMT-B program, I thought that it would be a great opportunity for me.  I quickly fell in love with emergency services, and I am thrilled to become a part of the ASM team!  In my free time I enjoy riding my horse Mark, and spending time with my family.  I am a lover of nature and being outdoors, and basically anything to do with animals!


Brian Silver Jr:  FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Brian Silver Jr.  I am 24 years old.  I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to the East Coast in 2011 and then moved to Connecticut in 2014. I currently live in Ellington, CT.  I took my EMT class in the winter of 2015 at CPR Training Professionals in South Windsor, CT.  I graduated from my class in the spring of 2016. Once I completed the class, I went on to be certified in the state of Connecticut. After earning my certifications, I started volunteering for the Somers Fire Department. I one day hope to become a paramedic, and further my career in EMS and emergency medicine. I am looking forward to joining the team here at ASM. In my free time I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my wife, reading and anything outdoor related.

ASM On Hand at the Wapping Fair in South Windsor, 2016

SOUTH WINDSOR — On September 9-12, 2016 crews from the Ambulance Service of Manchester were on hand at the Wapping Fair in South Windsor. The event is organized by the South Windsor Jaycees Foundation and is billed as an exciting combination of fun, unique entertainment and lots of family friendly hands on attractions, two of which were sponsored by ASM.

ASM performed a medical standby alongside South Windsor Fire Department partners. The standby served a dual purpose as the children were able to take tours of the ambulance and fire apparatus. Photos courtesy of Sean Norton, Mandi-Lynn Guertin.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Ashley Linardo Completes Precepting Phase

Ashley LinardoMANCHESTER –  As of June 28, 2016, ASM’s Ashley Linardo has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. Her preceptors were Paramedics Mike Levasseur and Dave White and Paramedic Supervisor Tim LaChappelle and Beth Sheils.

Ashley started at ASM in October of 2015 and graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program.  She started off in the medical field five years ago as a Patient Care Technician and a volunteer firefighter.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Ashley’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing her and her preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Ashley the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: Aetna Hires Four – 2016

HARTFORD — On June 22, 2016 three EMTs and one Paramedic were added to the Aetna team. As part of our continued growth Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Cole Ashker:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Cole Ashker and I am 24 years old. I was born in Burbank, CA, but lived in South Windsor, CT for the majority of my life. After finishing at South Windsor High School I attended UConn for 4 years. In May of 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During school I worked on campus, and continued to do so in a full time capacity after graduation. I never saw myself working a typical 9-5 job, and unfortunately I found that the job wasn’t meeting my desire to help my community. On the recommendation of my best friend Eric Thepsiri, I enrolled in the Hartford Hospital EMT-B course in 2015 and received my certification soon after. I didn’t know what to expect when I enrolled, but I found the material engaging and suited to my interests. When I’m not working I enjoy exercising, playing recreational sports, and finding new adventures to go on with friends. In addition, I’m hoping to start travelling the world and experiencing interesting and new things. I have been looking to enter public service for a long time, and I am extremely excited to start my career in EMS with Aetna Ambulance Service. I look forward to meeting and working the exceptional people of this company.

Chris Nelson:  FULL TIME, Paramedic. Hi my name is Chris.  I am originally from Rhode Island.  I started as an EMT in Cambridge Massachusetts and I went to Paramedic school at Yale New Haven Hospital while working at Aetna.  I have been living in Texas and working as a medic at Austin-Travis County EMS.  I missed blizzards and pumpkin spice coffee so I am moving back to Connecticut and looking forward to working at Aetna once again.

Anthony Palumbo:    PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony and I’m 23.  I graduated from UHART in May with a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy and I currently attend Capital for my Paramedic. I am new to the commercial ambulance service but have been a EMT for two and a half years. On my off time I volunteer as a firefighter for Farmington and EMT for Rocky Hill Ambulance. I really enjoy working in the medical field and I am excited to start at Aetna and be a part of the family. In my spare time I like grill, go to the beach, fishing and practicing archery along with doing anything else outdoors.

Anthony Valentine:   PART TIME, EMT. My name is Anthony Valentine, I am 23 years old an a 2016 graduate of Central Connecticut State University I graduated with a bachelors in Biology. I am from Bloomfield, Connecticut. I have a love for medicine and a strong desire to provide service to the world. I’ve worked  at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut since 2011 in patient transport and that opportunity reinforced my desire to work in the medical field and be of service in some way. One of my goals in life is to become an emergency surgeon. I love the anatomy of the body, its function and how everything is connected in someway.   Since a child I’ve always trying to identify new ways and new methods of doing things and medicine is a field I believe still needs innovation. I have horrible sinus allergies, hopefully I can find a long lasting cure. Outside of medicine I have an additional love; the ability to create ideas and bring them to fruition. I am a young entrepreneur I currently run a lifestyle magazine that I hope to compete with well known pop culture magazines like Fader and Complex. I enjoy speaking to youth and doing my best to influence them in a more positive direction. Becoming an EMT was something I wanted since the idea was introduced. The day I passed my cert, excitement overwhelmed my prior feelings of disappointment for having thought I failed. I’m Blessed!  I am a new EMT and received my schooling through the New Britain EMS academy. I am excited to begin this new journey with Aetna Ambulance Service, a place I am excited to call home. 

Meet the Newest Members of the Team: ASM Hires Seven – 2016

MANCHESTER — On June 7, 2016 seven EMTs were added to the ASM team. As part of our continued growth Aetna and ASM seek out only the best candidates. We look for employees who are focused on high-quality patient care, are team oriented and conduct themselves in a professional manner. During the orientation, employees learn about company philosophy and goals, quality assurance, and policies and procedures.

Benjamin Adamik:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Benjamin Adamik and I’m 22 years old. I currently live in Manchester where I was born and raised. As a recent graduate from the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Vermont, I look forward to a career in medicine. In my experiences as an EMT, I have found emergency medicine to be extremely captivating, and is where I see myself contributing within healthcare. I ultimately plan to apply to Physician Assistant programs with the goal of working in an Emergency Department. During my time at college, I was involved in tumor suppression therapy research, took a medical service trip to Lima, Peru, volunteered on a local ambulance service, and had the opportunity to ski some of Vermont’s finest peaks.  In my free time I also enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and overall being outside. I have a strong sense of adventure and am always looking to gain new experiences. I believe our experiences are fundamental for who we are as individuals, and therefore to grow and improve ourselves we must seek out the unfamiliar. Altogether I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Ambulance Service of Manchester, and for the experiences I will be granted as I learn and grow as a healthcare provider.

Michael Cedeno:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Michael Cedeno I am 27 years old and I currently live in Hartford, CT. I’ve worked at Manchester Memorial Hospital for about five years. I started off in the kitchen as their Cook and Event Caterer then worked my way to the emergency department doing Patient Access. During my time working in the ED I’ve seen quite a few interesting things that intrigued me to want to learn more about patient care and all that health providers do to help save and improve the quality of life for their patients. I enjoy helping and caring for people so I took my EMT course last fall and I’m glad to have been given an opportunity to help serve and care for the people of the community that are in need and rely on EMS.

Justin Cole:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Justin Cole. I am 31 years old. I was born, and raised in Illinois and moved to New England in July of 2012. I currently reside in South Windsor, CT. The majority of my life I have had an interest in the medical field especially since I grew up with family members working in hospitals and as nurses. I am an avid outdoorsman and was looking to combine my love for climbing and my health care interests together. In the summer of 2015 I took a Wilderness First Responder class with plans to start a career in outdoor guiding as a single pitch rock climbing instructor. However, after the first responder class my interest in emergency medicine became more important to me. Following the summer, I signed up for an EMT class in the Fall of 2015 in South Windsor and after starting class I immediately fell in love with it and have developed a passion for emergency medicine. After finishing my EMT class, and earning my certifications I have become a volunteer for the Bloomfield Volunteer Ambulance Service. I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the ASM family and grow as an EMT. I am also looking forward to joining such an amazing team of health care providers and serve my community.

Scott Harrington:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Scott Harrington I am 29 years old and currently live in Agawam, MA.  I graduated from Western New England College in 2009 with a degree in psychology.  After I graduated I spent six and a half years as a police dispatcher with two different departments in Massachusetts.  I first obtained my EMT certification in 2007 and I finally joined the EMS community in the fall of 2014 when I began to volunteer as an EMT with Suffield EMS.  Soon after I started with Suffield I realized I had found a new career path.  I am looking forward to learn and contribute as much as I can to ASM and the communities we serve. I am also going to be attending paramedic school this fall at Greenfield Community College.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fiance, kayaking and target shooting.

Sean McNeff:   FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Sean McNeff and I am a 24 year old from Enfield.  I graduated from Central Connecticut State University (class of 2013) with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.  I worked a couple jobs in retail and insurance, but decided my desire was to work in medical field/emergency services. I recently completed EMT class at Asnuntuck Community College and got certification shortly after. I hope to one day become a paramedic and remain in EMS. I am happy to finally find a career I am excited for, and couldn’t be happier for the opportunity to begin that career at ASM.

Erind Muco:    FULL TIME, EMT. My name is Erind Muco and I am 22 years old. I was born in Tirana, Albania and moved to the U.S. when I was six years old. I currently live in Wethersfield, CT. I recently graduated from UConn with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and now I hope to attend medical school. At ASM, I am looking to gain invaluable medical experience which will propel me further in my medical career. When given the opportunity, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, as well as watching/playing soccer, football, and basketball. I am proud to be a part of such a distinguished company, and I am excited to begin working.

Karisa Welch:   FULL TIME, EMT. Full time, EMT. My name is Karisa Welch. I am 21 years old and from Somers, Connecticut.  I recently graduated from UConn with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UConn I was dedicated to serving the community through my leadership roles in Public Health House and my honor society. My experience volunteering in the ER at Johnson Memorial first peaked my interest in health care. I explored this field more by shadowing a Physical Therapist and a Physician Assistant. This helped me discover that my ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant.  I currently volunteer with Somers Fire Department. I am very excited to get this valuable experience in emergency care as an EMT. I’m looking forward to learning new things and helping people each day!

ASM-Aetna Currently Seeking Candidates for Medical Billing Positions

Main EntranceDue to our continued growth, ASM-Aetna is currently seeking to add medical billing agents and is seeking qualified and interested applicants.

MEDICAL BILLING

Busy medical transportation company seeks experienced, full time individual in its Billing Department.  Applicant must be motivated, accurate, detail oriented and able to work independently.

2 years medical billing/data entry experience required.

In addition to processing medical claims for insured and private pay clients, responsibilities include extensive interaction with health insurance companies, healthcare facilities and clients.  Must be familiar with medical terminology.

Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, short term disability, 401-k with employer contribution, vacation, sick and personal time.

Please send resume and salary requirements to ASM, PO Box 300, Manchester, CT  06045-0300.

Thank you very much for seeking us out and wanting to be a part of our growing team!

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Jared Krajewski Completes Precepting Phase

Jared KrajewskiMANCHESTER –  As of May 23, 2016, ASM’s Jared Krajewski has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptors were Paramedic Supervisor Bob O’Neil and Paramedic Don Hart.

Jared started at ASM in August of 2013. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program. Jared has volunteered for the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department and worked in the Intensive Care Unit in Manchester Memorial Hospital.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Jared’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Jared the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

New Aetna and ASM websites now live

Aetna Ambulance website ASM websiteMANCHESTER — Updated versions of the Aetna and ASM websites are now live and can be viewed by clicking on the logo of each company at http://www.asm-aetna.com/.

Available on the sites are forms, information on services, ride along and field internship, access to the company blog, contact information and more.

The sites were built by Image Works web design in Vernon, CT.

Cleared for Independent Dispatch: ASM’s Matthew Buerk Completes Precepting Phase

Matthew Buerk BMANCHESTER –  As of March 11, 2016, ASM’s Matthew Buerk has been cleared by Eastern Connecticut Health Network medical control for independent dispatch as a paramedic to the towns that ASM serves. His preceptor were Paramedic Supervisor Melissa Osborne and Paramedic Greg Derosier.

Matt started at ASM in April of 2013. He graduated from the Capital Community College Paramedic program. Born and raised in East Hartford he obtained his EMT certification in 2007 and worked for Hartford Hospital for three years. Ultimately Matt plans to become a flight nurse.

As with all precepting phases at ASM, Matt’s final approval came from Eastern Connecticut Health Network after shadowing him and his preceptors in the field as they responded to emergency calls.

On behalf of the ASM Family, we would like to wish Matt the best of luck and say we are very proud to have such skilled professionals on staff.

ASM’s Jaime Decaprio Promoted to Assistant Office Manager

Jaime DecaprioMANCHESTER — On March 9, 2016 ASM’s Jaime Decaprio was promoted to the position of Assistant Officer Manager in the Billing and Call Taking Department.

Jaime has worked for ASM since July 2000, working on areas such as bundle billing agreements for Paramedic services, Medicaid billing issues, non-emergency call taking, customer service, private insurance authorizations and much more.

On behalf of ASM we would like to congratulate Jaime and look forward to more great things from her.