Non-emergency transportation (NEMT) has become an increasingly important part of the healthcare system, providing reliable and cost-effective transportation for patients with limited access to other transportation options. Unequal access to healthcare services is an important element of health disparities in the United States(Coombs et al., 2022). NEMT facilitates access for patients to medical care that would otherwise be out of reach. This is especially important in rural and underserved areas, where access to reliable transportation is often a challenge. In recent years, NEMT has been evolving to meet the needs of patients better and improve the quality of care they receive. Here are six ways that NEMT is changing medical care:
1. On-Demand Transport Service
One of the biggest changes to NEMT has been the introduction of on-demand transportation services. On-demand services allow patients to book a ride to their appointment with just a few clicks of a button. This has made it much easier for people to access transportation services, allowing them to attend meetings without worrying about arranging them themselves.
2. Cost-Effective
NEMT can offer a cost-effective solution to medical transportation needs. Net savings for traditional NEMT in Medicaid was approximately $4 billion. For modern NEMT, estimated savings on ride costs varied from 30% to 70%(Rochlin et al., 2019). Healthcare providers and insurance companies can save money on transportation costs by providing a less expensive option than emergency transportation services. This, in turn, can reduce the overall healthcare cost by decreasing the number of hospital visits and minimizing the need for expensive emergency transportation.
3. Technology Advancement
Using cutting-edge technology, rideshare providers like Uber and Lyft are revolutionizing NEMT. Real-time GPS tracking allows drivers to find the quickest routes to get to their destinations, helping patients get to appointments faster. This not only reduces wait times but also improves the overall quality of service. Technology is being employed to enhance safety for rideshare customers. Companies are utilizing sophisticated security features like facial recognition software to verify the identity of both drivers and passengers. This helps to avoid potential scams and ensures that customers can travel with peace of mind, knowing they are in reliable hands.
4. Clinical Outcomes
Non-emergency transportation can help individuals get to medical appointments quickly and on time. This will ensure that they can receive the care they need promptly, leading to better health outcomes. By removing the worry of getting to the appointment, individuals can focus on the care they need, leading to more successful treatment plans.
5. Patient Satisfaction
Patients can feel more at ease using these services as the hassle and worry associated with other transportation options are removed. This creates a better overall experience, providing more satisfaction for those utilizing them.
6. Patient Safety
Non-emergency transportation services provide safe and reliable transportation to medical appointments. These services provide a secure means of transport, reducing the likelihood of medical errors that can occur when using public transportation or other transportation options. This helps improve patient safety and ensures that individuals can get to their medical appointments without worries.
Conclusion
Non-emergency medical transportation is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional medical transportation services and reducing the need for emergency room visits. It has improved the efficiency of the healthcare system and made medical care more accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Overall, it has positively impacted many’s lives, making it one of the most important developments in the healthcare industry in recent years. If you need help with non-emergency medical transportation, contact FlyNurse. We provide medical assessments, book plane tickets, arrange ground transportation, and help to coordinate between different facilities if necessary.