The Role of NEMT Software in Modern Healthcare

Non-emergency medical transportation, or NEMT, is an integral part of modern healthcare. 

Many people with chronic conditions or special mobility needs fail to attend their regular healthcare appointments every year because of the lack of appropriate transportation for them. With NEMT, they can be comfortable in the vehicle that would ferry them to their medical appointments and back home. 

But there is more to this process than just transportation. NEMT software has a lot of potential that can help improve the healthcare industry as a whole. 

Contents:

• The Evolution of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
• Key Features of Modern NEMT Software
• The Link Between NEMT Software and Cost Savings
• Conclusion

The Evolution of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

NEMT evolution is quite interesting—history goes back to 1965 when Medicaid first came to be. One of its provisions is to ensure that people, especially those from low-income families and senior citizens, get the medical care they need. 

In 1975, it was established that NEMT is necessary to get people with special needs to their regular appointments. Since then, states have been working to provide NEMT services to their constituents. 

Today, NEMT software can help improve healthcare integration that would make medical services more accessible to the public, especially to those who truly need them. 

Key Features of Modern NEMT Software

NEMT software has many fantastic features that improve the service for all the parties concerned, from the operators to the vehicle drivers, dispatchers, and patients. 

How do these features aid in modern healthcare?

Routing

One of the best features of the NEMT software is the routing, where technology builds the best path while considering various factors like appointment time, trip duration, etc. It maximizes the use of the vehicle and the driver’s time. Furthermore, the business owner will make the most of their fuel expenses. Such a feature is also applicable for special education or SPED transportation. 

Dispatch

Within the context of NEMT, the dispatch feature is crucial when there are road issues, and rerouting is necessary (although there is an app for drivers that will notify them about the changes). It is also essential when the vehicle breaks down for any reason. Dispatch could relay the problem to other drivers in the area so a replacement vehicle can be sent.

When it comes to healthcare integration, the facility portal is helpful within the medical ecosystem. Every department could maintain real-time visibility and communication regarding updates on various health-related incidents that could improve patient care. 

Import

Most NEMT companies depend on brokers for ride bookings. Since different parties are involved, it is best to have a system with an integrating healthcare enterprise to import data from various sources. Such data must be available to the healthcare personnel for better, accurate, and precise medical service. It eliminates human mistakes since the trips are added and updated automatically. 

Human Resources

As mentioned, NEMT software has gone beyond transportation. Software like RouteGenie has human resources features that track and store employee documents, personal details, hiring details, and licenses or renewals. The same can be applied to the healthcare industry as a whole. 

The system could be in the form of a complete collection of a person’s medical records, whether it is just from one institution or all they have gone to. This feature can be leveraged for storing and tracking important health records. 

Billing

Another feature that is helpful for all healthcare stakeholders is billing. NEMT companies will have a much easier time understanding and sending out bills, which would ease daily operations. Insurance claims are just as easy and accurate, leaving little risk for rejections. Also it is crucial to use the software when your broker requires you to comply with certain regulations, for example, GPS compliance - in NY MAS requires you to send trip breadcrumb data.

The Link Between NEMT Software and Cost Savings

For NEMT companies, the savings brought about by software are obvious. With all routes streamlined and the entire fleet maximized, it means drivers won’t spend a lot of time navigating roads and using up too much gas. 

NEMT software also makes tracking the vehicle maintenance schedule easy, so the fleet remains in great shape. As they say, prevention is better than cure. In this case, preventive vehicle maintenance is much more affordable and lower-risk than repairing it when it has already been damaged. 

No-shows, or situations where NEMT passengers don’t show up for the scheduled trip, are also a waste of money. The company has already booked the driver, who will use fuel to go to their appointment, only for the patient to not show up. With robust NEMT software, companies know immediately if the trip has been canceled and can modify trips accordingly. 

Conclusion

NEMT software can be easily integrated into modern healthcare technology. It has many features that can help ensure the delivery of efficient and effective healthcare services to patients. It delivers accurate and precise implementation of healthcare processes, excellent communication with brokers and other parties concerned, and so much more. It also helps that NEMT software pricing doesn’t break the bank.