Did you know that around 3.6 million Americans fail or delay getting medical care because they don’t have the right transportation? Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) offers a quick and affordable way to get to and from doctors’ appointments.
This service is available to any patient across the U.S, including transportation for seniors who may no longer be able to drive. Whether you need to go to the store, a medical appointment, dinner or an outing, the medical non-emergency transportation will also ensure you do not miss out on the fun.
If you are looking for a NEMT services provider, here are some tips to help you choose the best.
1. Check the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Provider’s Certifications
NEMT transportation is very involving. These services are mainly for the vulnerable citizens in the society, such as senior citizens, the disabled, and any other person with limited mobility. Therefore, it is crucial that they need to have the right certification.
Apart from a valid driving license and vehicle registration, NEMT providers must be certified and registered by the state. Therefore, before hiring a provider, ask for proof of certification or accreditation.
This will prove that the provider understands the services you need and you can trust them to offer the best services. Also, ensure the provider adheres to the privacy standards set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
2. Check the Vehicle
Apart from driver training, you need to know the types of vehicles the provider has. Get to know if the vehicles are for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory clients and if they are ready to be deployed when you need them.
Additionally, get to know how old the vehicle is and if they can accommodate your needs. Since comfort is crucial, do not forget to check the vehicle’s interior, including the amenities it has to make you more comfortable.
Ask providers how they care for, inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure no breakdowns. The right NEMT provider will be open to giving you more information about their vehicles and providing you with a vehicle that you are most comfortable with.
3. Experience and Reputation
Though years of experience don’t guarantee quality services, it is a good sign when a provider shows some proof of consistency. A business that has been around for a long time and has repeat customers is always a good sign.
To know if a business has a good reputation, look for online reviews from websites such as Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Google reviews. Also, you can check out the provider’s social media pages and their customers to know what their previous clients have to say about them.
Also, look for that one thing that makes the transportation provider stand out from its competition. Try not to work with a provider who has several negative reviews, regardless of how long they have been in business.
4. Know How They Handle Emergencies
When hiring a medical transportation services provider, you need to make safety a priority. This includes asking a company about how they handle emergencies and their general procedures.
Several non-emergency transportation service providers do not handle medical emergencies first-hand. However, they need to be prepared for any eventuality. Knowing their hiring practices, especially if they conduct background checks for their drivers, will make you feel more at peace.
It is crucial to know how a driver can handle an emergency situation and if they have the right driving skills that can enable them to get to a hospital fast. Some medical non-emergency transportation providers ensure their drivers have basic first-aid training and a clean driving record.
Hire a provider you can trust to do their best in an emergency. Also, let the provider know any medical assistance you may need as you use their services.
5. Reliability and Accessibility
The best medical transport service provider should be very reliable. They must be flexible enough to accommodate your preferences and schedule and be very reliable. Additionally, the vehicle should be accessible for wheelchair and wheelchair transport too.
Ensure you hire a NEMT provider that you can always count on. Note that the mark of the best provider is their ability to offer exceptional customer service and support. Also, ensure the NEMT provider is always on time.
Not showing up on time is not only poor customer service but also means that the provider is unreliable.
6. Door Front Services
Door front or door-to-door services are one of the best ways to make a lasting impression. Providers who offer door front services show that they care about their clients and are ready to accommodate their needs.
Door front services include advanced life support ambulance, basic life support ambulance, wheelchair transport services and sedan ambulatory transportation. Such providers take their time to study a client’s profile, health status and special needs.
Work with a provider who can accommodate your special needs over both short and long distances.
7. Pricing
The best NEMT providers have a team of professionals who can accommodate all kinds of medical situations. The providers deliver quality services and can also offer more than one escort option.
The services you need will also determine how much you pay. Since each situation is different and the healthcare need of an individual varies, the best provider should have different pricing options.
The right provider should also be able to provide a free estimate, depending on individual needs. Having a free pricing estimate will also help you weigh your options and budget for your transportation needs.
Use These Tips to Hire the Best NEMT Services Provider
Hiring a non-emergency medical transportation services provider you can trust and count on is crucial. These tips will help you choose the best provider and ensure you enjoy smooth, reliable and safe services. If you are looking for the best NEMT services, Affinity Transit has you covered.
We are here to make life easier for all disabled, handicapped, senior citizens and any other individual who needs safe non-emergency medical transportation services. Contact us and get services that are guaranteed to make your loved ones safe and comfortable at all times.