NEMT the lifeblood for sustainable healthcare

For many Americans access to healthcare is a challenge.  For those who don’t have transportation, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a vital lifeline.

“Research has shown that only 20 percent of health can be attributed to medical care, while social and economic factors—like access to healthy food, housing status, educational attainment and access to transportation—account for 40 percent.  Transportation is an economic and social factor that shapes people’s daily lives and thus a social determinant of health,” explained the American Hospital Association.

For some elderly and low-income adults, a smartphone may be a challenge.  They don’t feel comfortable using a rideshare app on their device, or, they don’t own one. 

Many healthcare systems are now partnering with NEMT services to provide transportation for their patients.  These institutions arrange transportation for patients who require weekly dialysis or chemotherapy treatments, annual checkups, or transportation home from the hospital or an outpatient surgery.

Hospitals, physicians, and outpatient clinics are stepping up and play an important role in addressing patient care access.  “By being proactive and providing transportation for their patients, healthcare providers are decreasing no-show rates, increasing facility efficiency, and providing better health outcomes for their patients,” said Laura Fleet, CEO of SendaRide, a door-to-door NEMT service created for healthcare. 

The next time you or someone you love needs healthcare transportation, ask your provider if they offer NEMT service for their patients. Or, contact a service in your area who can help you seek the care you need with the assurance of timely and safe transportation.