Our Story
In the summer of 2022, Lehighton Ambulance Association INC. decided to bring our billing service back in house from a 3rd party system due to inconsistencies. We began operating under the name LAA Billing and providing 3rd-party billing services to other Ambulance Services. We have grown to around 60,000 billable trips per year. Our dedicated team of Certified Coders allows us to submit clean claims and provide timely service, with all claims being handled in-house. Our team has various levels of experience in the field of EMS Billing and also as an EMS Provider.
At LAA Billing, our team has dedicated over two decades to the financial health of the public safety community. Our journey began with a simple mission: to provide transparent, compliant, and community-focused financial recovery solutions for EMS and Fire-Rescue agencies.
We understand that billing is more than just numbers; it is the backbone of emergency response. Our professional approach ensures that every claim is handled with the utmost integrity and expertise, allowing our partners to focus on what matters most—protecting lives and property.
Today, we stand as a trusted partner for fire departments, rescue agencies, and municipal partners across Pennsylvania. We are committed to excellence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of financial clarity for the public safety professionals who serve our communities.
Our Core Values
ACCOUNTABILITY
HONESTY
INTEGRITY
PERFORMANCE
RESPECT
TEAMWORK
Each of these principles guides our mission to serve the fire and rescue professionals who protect our local community.
Our Leadership & Expertise
Director of Billing Operations
Jarad Yeastedt is the Chief Operating Officer of Lehighton Ambulance Association Inc. and the driving force behind LAA Billing. With nearly three decades of EMS experience, Jarad began his career in emergency services in 1996 and became an EMT in 1998 before advancing to Paramedic in 2010. His background includes frontline EMS operations, 911 communications, education, leadership, and healthcare revenue cycle management.
After bringing ambulance billing operations back in-house in 2022, Jarad helped establish LAA Billing as a dedicated EMS billing solution focused on transparency, accountability, and customer service. Under his leadership, LAA Billing has grown to support multiple EMS agencies across Pennsylvania, managing tens of thousands of ambulance and paratransit claims annually.
Jarad has also presented at industry conferences on EMS Revenue Cycle Management and remains passionate about helping emergency service organizations improve operational efficiency, financial stability, and patient-focused service.
Billing Operations Supervisor
Gwen Erdley serves as the Operations Supervisor for LAA Billing and brings more than 16 years of EMS billing experience to the organization. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive knowledge in ambulance billing operations, claims management, insurance follow-up, and client support services, including experience working with billing requirements and payer systems both within Pennsylvania and in multiple other states.
In her role, Gwen plays a key part in the day-to-day coordination of billing operations, helping ensure that claims processing, account follow-up, and operational workflows are handled accurately and efficiently. She works closely with staff and client agencies to maintain strong communication, dependable service, and streamlined processes.
As a member of the LAA Billing leadership team, Gwen’s experience, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service help support the company’s mission of providing responsive, professional, and effective EMS billing solutions to agencies throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Follow-Up Department Supervisor
Kristi Russell serves as the Follow-Up Department Supervisor for LAA Billing and is responsible for overseeing insurance follow-up operations and account resolution activities. In her role, Kristi works closely with billing staff, insurance carriers, and client agencies to help ensure claims are processed efficiently and accounts are followed through to resolution.
With extensive experience gained in her 12 years in EMS billing and insurance follow-up, Kristi specializes in claim review, denial management, payer communication, and resolving complex billing issues. Her attention to detail and strong understanding of the revenue cycle process help maximize reimbursement while maintaining a high level of customer service and professionalism.
As the leader of the Follow-Up Department, Kristi plays an important role in maintaining workflow efficiency, supporting staff development, and helping LAA Billing continue to provide responsive and dependable billing services to EMS agencies.
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Posting Department Supervisor
Chasity Kuenseler serves as the Posting Department Supervisor for LAA Billing and oversees the accurate and timely posting of payments, adjustments, and account transactions within the billing system. In her role, Chasity helps ensure that all financial activity is processed efficiently and reconciled properly to support a smooth and effective revenue cycle operation.
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With 13 years of experience in EMS billing operations and payment processing, Chasity works closely with insurance carriers, patient accounts, and internal billing staff to maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the posting process. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail help ensure accounts are updated correctly and financial records remain accurate and compliant.
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As Posting Department Supervisor, Chasity plays an important role in maintaining operational efficiency and supporting the overall success of LAA Billing’s services for EMS agencies throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
LAA Billing provides comprehensive billing solutions for emergency medical services. Our team of experts is dedicated to maximizing your revenue and minimizing your workload. With our advanced technology and personalized approach, we ensure accurate and timely reimbursement for your services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your EMS organization thrive.