Overview of the 2023 NEMT Industry: Biggest News, Trends, and Activities

The non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) industry is rapidly growing. Reports vary across publications, but all are in the multi-billion dollar figures. For instance, the Digital Journal published a press release that the NEMT market was worth $9.4 billion with an expected compound annual growth rate of 9% until 2032. 

NEMT has become a technology-centric transportation business. Trends in transportation and technology go hand in hand in powering how these companies operate. 

Let’s take a close look at the biggest trends and activities of the NEMT industry in the past year and how these helped transform the sector. 

Contents:

• NEMTAC 2023: Accreditation, Education, Training, and More
• Artificial Intelligence
• Telemedicine
• Increasing Demand
• Blockchain
• Regulatory Reforms
• Compliance in the NEMT industry
• Conclusion

NEMTAC 2023: Accreditation, Education, Training, and More

The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC) is an annual conference for NEMT company owners, operators, drivers, vendors, healthcare professionals, executives, payers, and educators. The attendees discussed the current NEMT situation and considered action plans to improve the industry. 

For NEMTAC 2023, one of the most important issues raised was the accreditation of all medical transportation players. It is the only national accreditation for now and is considered a step above local and state certifications. Accreditation is critical to professionalizing the industry and standardizing regulations. 

Education and training of NEMT drivers were also discussed. They must undergo regular training as the industry aims to maintain very high customer service and safety standards. 

Technology, too, was an important topic as it has become a crucial part of NEMT operations. The use of efficient NEMT software will help companies provide better services to their clients. 

RouteGenie, one of the best NEMT software companies available today, has the following features that streamline operations:

• Automated trip reminders
• Mobile real-time technology
• Automatic scheduling
• Billing piece
• Integration with major national and regional brokers

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) allows technology to complete human activities at a much faster pace with minimal to zero mistakes. 

In the field of NEMT, AI can create efficient schedules for drivers and their respective vehicles. This is crucial for companies with large fleets of various NEMT vehicles that can provide all modes of transportation. 

AI can also match passengers with the appropriate NEMT vehicle based on the type of transportation they need. Persons with disabilities and senior citizens who are mobile can take ambulatory NEMT vehicles, and wheelchair-appropriate transportation will be provided for those who need them. Some passengers may need NEMT vehicles that can accommodate stretchers.

AI can also extend to scheduling the necessary equipment for each trip. Many NEMT companies provide wheelchairs, stretchers, or oxygen tanks during their trips if the clients ask for them. 

Moreover, AI can map out the best routes so passengers can reach their destination on time and their drivers utilize the best routes to maximize efficiency by eliminating extra legs. NEMT companies can save on fuel expenses over time. 

Telemedicine

Telemedicine became a necessity during the pandemic. In the years since, it has become the norm for many patients to get the care they need, especially those who lack access to doctors in their area.

Many may think that telemedicine will render NEMT irrelevant someday. That’s not necessarily the case, as NEMT can work hand in hand with telemedicine. NEMT providers can partner with telemedicine providers to be referred for on-site appointment transportation and/or to deliver medications. 

Increasing Demand

The expected 9% compound annual growth rate for NEMT up to 2032 is proof that there will be a growing demand for the service. 

Around 3.6 million Americans miss their medical appointments due to the lack of appropriate transportation. Within the last few years, more and more people have discovered NEMT. It also helps that Medicaid covers NEMT service. 

One of the main reasons for the growing demand for NEMT is that people have become more health-conscious because of the pandemic. They make sure to practice a healthy lifestyle, and part of that is regularly scheduling and going to their medical appointments. NEMT makes it easier for seniors and persons with disabilities to visit their doctors or a medical facility for checkups, treatments, and preventive consultations. 

Blockchain

Does blockchain technology have a place in NEMT? The most basic impression of blockchain is its role in cryptocurrency. But if you think about how blockchain works, you will understand that these might be applicable in the world of NEMT. 

Blockchain can deliver standardization of procedures in any industry, including NEMT. 

How can blockchain be leveraged to improve NEMT?

1. Blockchain can bolster data security through decentralization. All data is stored in blocks that cannot be tampered with. 
2. Blockchain makes it easier for companies to monitor or track NEMT activities to provide better services. 
3. Blockchain can improve accuracy across various devices that keep track of transactions. 
4. A shared and secure database ensures all transactions are processed quickly, accurately, and securely. 
5. Blockchain saves time and resources as you can operate your NEMT business even with limited administrative staffing. 

Regulatory Reforms

As the NEMT industry grows, you can expect federal and local bodies to step in and regulate the service. Players and stakeholders in the sector must also have a hand in creating and implementing these regulations. 

As companies know everything about the ins and outs of the industry, they need to help make changes and shape the future of NEMT. 

This is why organizations and events like NEMTAC are vital. They help give industry players a voice and much-needed input into the rules that will dictate their future. 

Compliance in the NEMT industry

More requirements are expected to be implemented in the NEMT industry to make it safer and more transparent. Businesses have to be HIPAA-compliant to make sure PHI data is protected. But also DOH and brokers are pushing towards more tech usage through things like GPS compliance which allows MAS to make sure that trips are actually completed and completed on time.  

Conclusion

The year 2023 was a good one for the NEMT industry. The industry is growing rapidly, which means the most vulnerable sectors of society will continue to get the transport services they need. And this could improve overall healthcare services in the country. 

The future of the industry hinges on the evolution of technology. Finding the right technology or software is beneficial to all businesses. And these tools must be continuously updated based on new trends, and features must be upgraded to ensure security. 

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