Transportation is a critical aspect of healthcare services because not all patients have access to a vehicle for traveling to a medical facility. It isn’t only for emergencies but also for people who face challenges traveling for a medical appointment. That’s where non-emergency medical transportation comes in, an alternative that can provide that help.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a vehicle that’s either private or provided by a service, which aids in helping patients whose circumstances aren’t classified as an emergency in traveling for medical purposes. These people struggle to travel because of their conditions or lack of access to a transportation mode. Most patients who require NEMT are either handicapped, the elderly, or a person who’s recovering from surgery or an injury.

Only some people own a vehicle they can use for medical purposes, making this all the more important. It also has its perks for patients struggling with their current situation. Here are those advantages that support the importance of NEMT.

Comfort and reliability

Using NEMTs provides comfort for patients’ trips to a medical facility. It’s visible in many ways. One of them is the feeling of independence, which stems from the desire not to be a burden to friends, family, relatives, or neighbors. It’s an understandable concern because it’s normal for most patients to think that way. By having a vehicle they can use to transport themselves, there’ll be no need to worry about those things.
One of the many advantages of using non-emergency medical transportation is the availability of specialized services tailored to the unique needs of patients. Stretcher Transport Services, for example, provides a safe and comfortable means of transportation for patients who require a stretcher during their journey. These services ensure that patients receive appropriate care and support while traveling to medical appointments or other destinations.

Nowadays, there are also vehicle manufacturers that make cars specifically for the travel convenience of ill people. Also, there are businesses where you can find and purchase or rent your NEMT vehicle. If you look it up online, there could be a transport van sale where you can buy a specialized van with NEMT features, such as wheelchair-accessible seats.

Besides purchasing or renting a vehicle for non-emergency patients, you can also book one whenever needed. Many companies that offer medical management services have vehicles suited for NEMT needs that you can book via an app. Apart from the driver, the patient will be accompanied by a nurse who will assist them and ensure they’re comfortable traveling to and from their appointments.

These services also have other small perks, like routing your trip to your medical appointment. They coordinate which road to take for smoother and faster travel and match which vehicle will take you to your needs, i.e., a stretcher, wheelchair, etc. In addition, a NEMT service carries vital medical equipment that will be handled by trained personnel in case the patient requires one.

Affordability

Booking or renting a NEMT service is often more affordable than calling for an ambulance or booking public transport vehicles. There are a couple of reasons why that is the case. The first one is that booking or using public transport for patients with regular appointments also adds to your overall expenses.

If you look at it, booking a van specialized for non-emergency patients for regular appointments is more practical. It’s a more convenient ride for the patient, and there are fewer worries about availability and other possible issues from the patient.

The other reason is the cost of an emergency vehicle, considering the emergency equipment and professional staff on hand. This means the patient is paying for the excess they don’t need. If your situation can be handled with less medical help, you should take that option because it’s more affordable.

NEMT is a good option for people who:

  • Have limited mobility or access to private transportation
  • Need more assistance than a taxi service can provide
  • Have special needs, such as using a wheelchair or stretcher 

Final words

Patients without pressing medical needs also deserve options optimized for their travel. NEMTs give them just that and what is enough for them to get through. It’s reliable, comfortable, affordable, and safe, which they need.