According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, transportation is a key factor for accessing health care services and may ultimately impact health outcomes. Many people face barriers to transportation, such as lack of access to a vehicle, a driver’s license, inability to use public transportation, need for a specialty vehicle or wheelchair van, inability to afford the cost of transportation, and difficulty finding rides to appointments(NCSL, 2023).
Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) is an excellent option for those who need to get to and from medical appointments. Whether it’s for a regular checkup or a major medical procedure, NEMT offers several advantages.
Here are nine of the top advantages of using non-emergency medical transport:
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Cost Savings
Cost savings are the most significant advantage of using a NEMT. NEMT services are generally much more affordable than other forms of transportation, including taxis, public and private car services, and in some cases, a covered service of your healthcare plan. To facilitate access to healthcare services, state Medicaid programs are required to provide necessary transportation to and from providers as a Medicaid benefit(NCSL, 2023). These cost savings can be particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, such as the elderly and disabled, who may not be able to drive themselves.
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Comfort and Convenience
Non-emergency medical transports offer a much higher level of comfort and convenience than other forms of transportation. Most NEMT services provide specialized vehicles specially designed to accommodate those with mobility issues. This can make the journey much easier and more comfortable, especially for those with limited mobility.
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Health Care Assistance
Many non-emergency medical transport services provide trained medical personnel to assist passengers with their medical needs. This ensures that passengers receive the care they need while in transit.
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Professionalism
NEMT service providers are trained professionals knowledgeable about the medical field. This ensures that individuals who use NEMT services are taken care of professionally and safely.
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Safety
Non-emergency medical transport methods are much safer than other forms of transportation. NEMT services typically employ trained and experienced drivers who are familiar with the local area and can safely get the patient to their destination. It is important to know what to look for in any NEMT-contracted service. Additionally, many NEMT services offer onboard medical monitoring and monitoring systems to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.
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Reduced Wait Times
Non-emergency medical transport services can reduce wait times for medical appointments. This is because these services can arrange for transport to medical appointments in advance, which eliminates the need to wait for an ambulance.
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Reliability
Non-emergency medical transports are also known for their reliability. Since they are typically pre-scheduled and monitored, they can be trusted to arrive on time and get the patient to their appointment safely and efficiently. It is still important to read reviews before scheduling with any company to provide service.
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Flexibility
Non-emergency medical transport is also very flexible. They can be scheduled in advance to accommodate the patient’s needs and can also be adjusted if their needs change.
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Peace of Mind
Non-emergency medical transport services provide peace of mind to those who need medical transport. Knowing that a trained medical professional can assist them if the need arises can be reassuring to those who require medical assistance during their journey.
Conclusion
Non-emergency medical transports provide a cost-effective and convenient way for individuals to get to their medical appointments. These services provide a safe and comfortable ride for individuals who need medical care while also providing peace of mind to those who may not be able to drive themselves. For these reasons, non-emergency medical transports are an excellent option for individuals to access healthcare services.
FlyNurse provides medical professionals who are experienced in arranging cost-effective patient medical transport and/or medical accompaniment. Our staff members are dedicated to providing the best possible care to our patients, and we make it our mission to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality of care. We understand the importance of providing timely, convenient, and safe transportation for our patients, and we strive to ensure that all patients receive the best care possible. Contact us for more details.