| ITEM #: 9. DATE: 07/06/2026 AI #:3385 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVE HIE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH CONTEXTURE, A WEB-BASED SEARCH ENGINE FOR PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Tim Wayne, Interim Fire Chief |
SUMMARY
The Goodyear Fire Department seeks to enter into a new HIE Participation Agreement (Attachment A), with Contexture, a healthcare information exchange and patient information database, to assist authorized personnel in obtaining critical patient information needed to support the ambulance billing process. Access to timely and accurate patient information can help improve clinical decision-making and enhance continuity of care. This agreement will replace the current Contexture Agreement, dated September 4, 2025 (Attachment B).
This agreement will provide Goodyear's Emergency Medical Service (EMS) division and third-party ambulance billing vendor access to retrieve patient demographic and insurance information, improve billing accuracy, reduce claim denials, and help ensure appropriate reimbursement for services provided, which supports both quality patient care and efficient administrative operations.
This agreement will provide Goodyear's Emergency Medical Service (EMS) division and third-party ambulance billing vendor access to retrieve patient demographic and insurance information, improve billing accuracy, reduce claim denials, and help ensure appropriate reimbursement for services provided, which supports both quality patient care and efficient administrative operations.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the HIE Participation Agreement with Contexture, terminate the existing HIE Participation Agreement, dated September 4, 2025, and authorize the annual expenditure of $975 from the Goodyear Fire Department operating budget, and provide authorization and direction to the City Manager, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Tim Wayne, Interim Fire Chief)
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual cost to the city for the web-based data service is $975 under the current contract with limited user access. The city’s third-party billing vendor (EMS Management & Consultants) will cover the additional $166 required to upgrade to the unlimited user package, bringing the total annual cost to $1,144. Funding for the city’s portion is available within the approved Fire Department operating budget; therefore, no budget amendment is necessary.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
Contexture is a nonprofit organization that supports communities in advancing health information sharing. It provides Health Information Service Provider (HISP) services, enabling secure exchange of direct messages between healthcare providers.
The previous contract provided limited user access, allowed only five user accounts and was used by the Fire Department to help the Fire Billing Coordinator obtain patient demographic information. Due to increased call volume, the billing vendor has been working with Contexture to gain access so they can also utilize this tool.
The previous contract provided limited user access, allowed only five user accounts and was used by the Fire Department to help the Fire Billing Coordinator obtain patient demographic information. Due to increased call volume, the billing vendor has been working with Contexture to gain access so they can also utilize this tool.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Staff recommends approving the new agreement with Contexture, which provides essential patient information such as insurance details, addresses, and hospital admission dates. When fire personnel are unable to obtain this information during ambulance transport, the system serves as a reliable secondary source. Without timely and accurate patient data, the ambulance billing process is significantly delayed and may result in unpaid claims.
By upgrading to the new package, the city’s ambulance billing vendor will have an additional tool to locate patient information on Goodyear’s behalf. This added access will help streamline the billing process and support greater revenue recovery for the city.
By upgrading to the new package, the city’s ambulance billing vendor will have an additional tool to locate patient information on Goodyear’s behalf. This added access will help streamline the billing process and support greater revenue recovery for the city.
Attachments
- Attachment A - Contexture HIE Participation Agreement
- Attachment B - Contexture Termination Document