Many patients have a challenge when it comes to getting to the hospital for a routine care or an appointment. Since this visits are not considered an emergency the patients usually have to find an alternative to ambulances.
A non emergency medical transportation helps the patient to make their appointments, reach the doctor’s office, urgent care, and medical facilities that they need. However, NEMT should not be assumed to be equivalent to an ambulance in case of an emergency. It is just a way to help out the people who are unable to transport themselves to routine appointments.
This is a fixer upper to people who can’t find a way to transport themselves to appointments. Such people include persons who are unable to drive themselves due to side effects of certain medications as well as people who are limited from movement. You have to also put into account that not all patients have a license.
It’s very obvious that NEMT is not an emergency service. It however, shares some similarities with ambulances. Both methods of transportation hire drivers that are experienced as Emergency Medical Technicians. Other skills that the drivers share is that they can do CPR and they can operate the AED. These drivers are also trained when it comes to defensive driving techniques and they are monitored closely on the road so that they can keep the passengers safe from accidents.
The vehicles usually resemble ambulances and are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and stretchers.
When and how the services are available depends on whoever is providing the service. There are services that provide the vehicles for medical appointments while other provide an all inclusive plan. Some services arrange for transportation of people who cannot travel on their own to weddings and graduations. NEMT stands apart from other modes of transportation because it provides safety, comfort and special needs to the passengers and gives them a comfortable, hustle free, travel to their destination.
Patient transportation is usually covered by many insurance programs as well as federal and state social insurance programs for members that are qualified. To qualify one has to have a medical need that requires them to be driven to the treatment center.
The following are the criteria that one must meet to show they cannot travel on their own. They can’t get up from bed on their own, they can’t walk on their own and they are incapable of using a wheelchair or a chair. If one meets one or all of the above then they need help in transportation.
It’s wise to ask the insurer if they can provide the compensation. Find out whether your appointment is a medical necessity and find out the options for transportation to and from the treatment facility.