Why Digital Transformation is Crucial for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Every business aims for efficiency, increased productivity, and enhanced customer experience. It is not always easy to achieve because there are so many moving parts. However, in the digital age, technology plays an essential role in achieving these goals. 

It is more important than ever for healthcare businesses to enact digital transformation. 

Contents:

• What is Digital Transformation?
• Understanding Digital Transformation in the Context of NEMT
• Benefits of Digital Transformation for NEMT Providers
• Digital Transformation Challenges for NEMT Providers
• Financial Impacts and ROI of Going Digital
• Conclusion

What is Digital Transformation?

Consulting firm McKinsey and Company defines digital transformation as “the rewiring of an organization with the goal of creating value by continuously deploying tech at scale.”

It means the seamless integration of technology in every element of the business. This leads to a holistic change in how the company and its clients do business with each other. It’s a significant shift to put everything on the cloud—among other improvements—for seamless business operations. 

By transforming or automating all processes, the company will also experience a cultural shift. Managers must ensure all employees are comfortable with the new working environment when they shift to cloud-based systems. They may need training to ensure everyone has the right skills and knowledge.

In this article, we will focus on one industry and the importance of digital transformation: non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). 

What does NEMT digital transformation entail?

Understanding Digital Transformation in the Context of NEMT

Transportation has been transformed in the digital age. Many transport companies have integrated ride-hailing into their operations to meet consumer demand. Startups now develop an app, purchase an initial fleet of vehicles, market their services, and encourage people to sign up. 

Today, people have multiple ride-hailing apps on their smartphones for maximum convenience. 

The same concept has been implemented in NEMT companies, except that the service provided is more specific. NEMT businesses help senior citizens and persons with disabilities access healthcare—transportation is among the reasons they fail to go to their medical appointments. NEMT providers eliminate this hurdle and augment the efficacy of the healthcare industry. 

Companies need the best NEMT software to implement digital transformation and serve more patients. 

Benefits of Digital Transformation for NEMT Providers

Digital transformation in the NEMT business benefits all parties involved, given the right software:

Route Optimization

NEMT software provides a route optimization advantage. It determines the most efficient route to ensure passengers get to their appointments on time. 

With efficient routes, the NEMT business will also save on fuel and wear and tear of vehicles. 

Accurate and Timely Dispatch

NEMT dispatch software is essential for NEMT businesses that want to maximize savings. When you have cloud-based dispatch software, the team can communicate real-time changes on trips. 

Here are some benefits of NEMT dispatch software:

• When the system says a passenger will be a no-show or if there are trip cancellations, the driver is informed well in advance. 

• Drivers take additional trips along the way to save fuel and maximize efficiency. 

• Routes are built in the best way to utilize multiload feature. 

Proper Scheduling

Proper scheduling refers to various elements of NEMT operations. Scheduling drivers and their respective vehicles is easy with robust software. This will then make it easier to book specific drivers for certain patients. Perhaps some passengers live in the same neighborhood and have similar appointment schedules, so one driver and vehicle could pick them up. 

The software can also alert management of the fleet's recommended maintenance and repair schedules. This is incredibly important—all NEMT vehicles must be in great shape for the safety of all drivers and passengers. 

Positive Customer Experience

Digital transformation does not guarantee that customers will have a positive experience. However, the proper use of routing and dispatching software will help everyone get to their destination safely and on time. 

Customer feedback is also an essential element of digital transformation—passengers can sound off on their experience with the NEMT company. This can be achieved with the NEMT passenger app, that allows to collect feedback after the trip is completed. 

Digital Transformation Challenges for NEMT Providers

There are always challenges to major endeavors. Digital transformation in NEMT can lead to multiple hurdles, one of which is the new skills that drivers need to acquire. They have to maintain a good grasp of cutting-edge technology and be more flexible so that the company can provide the best service for the clients. 

It is also vital for companies to make sure clients are technically adept at booking NEMT rides. Fortunately, digital transformation doesn’t mean that you have to remove all things analog. Potential clients should still be able to make a simple phone call to schedule an NEMT ride. While they may not be able to track their driver’s whereabouts through an app, the transport provider can provide updates through text message. 

Marketing is another challenge for NEMT business going through digital transformation. While senior citizens and persons with disabilities undoubtedly need NEMT the most, they are not the only target market for these companies. Tech-savvy millennials and boomers can still benefit from transport providers, and they are audiences worth capturing through robust advertising strategies. 

Financial Impacts and ROI of Going Digital

It is no secret that digital transformation is a hefty investment. The company has to spend on expensive technology for the entire fleet and communication equipment for all drivers. 

However, it is important to realize that digital transformation is the present and the future. These advancements will be used for years or even decades to come. A significant investment now will be used for tools that will be used for a long time and will lead to long-term success and growth. 

The return on investment may take time. Rest assured that digital transformation coupled with the best NEMT software for medical transportation will enhance customer experience and improve the company’s credibility. These two things are crucial in getting more clients and driving revenue. 

Conclusion

The benefits of digital transformation in healthcare are aplenty. Leveraging advanced technology and robust NEMT software allows people with special mobility needs to access much-needed transport for healthcare. And NEMT providers can further improve operations to maximize efficiency and ensure business growth.