How To Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company
When traveling long distances with a medical condition, there are many things to consider before deciding on a non-emergency medical transportation service. Below, we’ll explain how to choose a non-emergency medical transportation company that suits the wants and needs of those who require long-distance medical travel.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
First, what does non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) mean, and why do people need it? As the name suggests, NEMT is a transportation service for medical patients in non-emergency situations.
We all know that in an emergency, people can call for an ambulance to rush them to the nearest hospital for treatment. NEMT, on the other hand, is for those who need to go to a medical facility in a non-emergency situation but don’t have the means for regular transportation. For those who aren’t physically capable of driving or using public transportation, live too far away from their doctor, can’t afford a vehicle, or pay for long-distance transportation, NEMT services are critical to getting them to their necessary medical treatment.
What To Know Before Searching for a NEMT Service
Before we get into how to choose a non-emergency medical transportation company, you should do some self-evaluation to determine what you need from an NEMT service to find the company best suited to you.
Where You’re Going
First, those choosing between NEMT services should consider where they’re going and how far they need to travel. NEMT companies typically have ranges, so you want to be sure that the NEMT company you’re considering fits that range first.
Some NEMT companies have only a minimum range for the services, while others only have a maximum. Double-check the distance you need to travel so you can confirm with the NEMT company that they can fulfill your transportation needs.
Your Medical Needs
You should also consider your medical needs and physical condition or the condition of the patient you’re traveling with. Most NEMT companies offer basic medical equipment and services for their vehicles, while others have equipment for more intensive care, like feeding tubes.
If the patient has diabetes or struggles with incontinence, you should consider a NEMT service with staff and amenities to help with those issues during long-distance travel.
Passengers & Language
You should also consider whether the patient will travel alone or with other passengers. Many NEMT passengers will travel with family or friends on a long-distance trip for support, so you want to be sure that the NEMT service can travel with everyone on board.
If you have a pet or emotional support animal you want to travel with, you’ll want to ask if the NEMT service can accommodate the animal comfortably. Also, if you or the patient have language requirements, like they’re more comfortable communicating in a language other than English, you’ll want to inquire about the bilingual abilities of the staff.
What To Consider When Choosing a NEMT Company
Now that you know what you need from a NEMT company, it’s time to sort through the options available to find the ideal service for you or the patient needing transportation.
Accreditation
First, you should confirm with any NEMT company you’re considering that they’re accredited and certified for patient transportation and support. The Better Business Bureau should accredit every NEMT company, and they should have staff licensed to work in healthcare.
Non-accreditation should be a non-starter for any NEMT company, as any unaccredited NEMT company likely offers a subpar quality of service, equipment, or staff and has gotten rejected by regulatory agencies. With the health and safety of the passenger in the hands of the NEMT company, only trust certified professionals.
Safety
Safety is always a priority in every healthcare sector, including transportation. You’re trusting the NEMT company you choose with the health and safety of yourself or the patient you’re helping travel, so there should be no compromise regarding safety.
For safety, you should inquire about the staff on hand to assist in cases of emergency or problems with patients. Inquire about the emergency procedures and preparedness of the company to ensure that you can trust them for such vital transportation.
Reliable Transport Times
Timeliness is also a critical factor in deciding on a NEMT company. While it’s more important to arrive at the destination safe and sound, you also want a NEMT service that will get you there when it promises to.
Look at online reviews and testimonials from other patients and passengers of the NEMT company to gauge how reliable they are with their travel times. A company that is consistently late or deceptive about the estimated arrival time shows a lack of honesty that you don’t want in a NEMT service.
Staff Training & Experience
The staff are a critical factor when choosing a NEMT company; as we mentioned, they could be the ones that have to act quickly to save or help a patient. Ask the NEMT company what training and experience the staff on board have and their overall experience in the company and the industry.
Are the staff former nurses, EMTs, or paramedics? How long have they been working for the NEMT company and the sector? Just like you want to be sure about the credentials and abilities of a doctor, you want to be sure the NEMT company employs qualified staff.
Medical Equipment
As we mentioned earlier, those traveling should know what medical equipment they need to travel so they can find a suitable NEMT company safely. Most NEMT companies come with basic equipment like stretchers, wheelchairs, and crutches—but that may not be enough for some patients.
Make a list of the needed medical equipment for a long-distance journey, and ask the NEMT company if they can fulfill your requirements before signing any contract.
Vehicle Quality
Ask about the quality of the vehicle you or the patient will be traveling in. After all, you could be spending hours or even days in the vehicle, so you want to be sure you’re traveling in one that’s comfortable, capable, and secure.
At United MedTrans, our entire fleet comprises high-quality Mercedes Sprinters vans, which are remarkably reliable, comfortable, and well-furnished.
Conclusion
We hope our guide on finding the right NEMT company for you has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions about United MedTrans’ NEMT or want to learn more about our services and company, contact our staff to see why United MedTrans is the ideal choice for long-distance medical travel.
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