You may be wondering what to look for in a NEMT provider in Georgia and the answers are simple. A NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transport) is a form of transportation service offered to those who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments and procedures. NEMT services provide transportation for persons with medical conditions or behavioral problems, or people with physical disabilities who cannot drive themselves to appointments or do not have access to transportation.
There are several factors to take into consideration in order to find the best NEMT transportation company for your individual needs. When choosing a service, it's important to take into account factors such as availability, safety and security standards, types of transport vehicles, communication, regular maintenance, and punctual driving.
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Availability of Services
When choosing a NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) provider, it's important to consider the availability of drivers. You’ll want to make sure the provider offers 24/7 service so that you can be assured you’ll be able to book transportation when needed. It’s also important to check that they are available in the area you need service and if they have a ride request management system.
Ride request management is a driver technology service that helps personnel more accurately and efficiently handle clients' requested rides. If the NEMT services have a ride request management service, you will be able to book rides in a timely fashion while ensuring you get the most appropriate type of transportation. This efficient system allows operators to book drivers, vehicles, and all other reservations needed for their client trips within a matter of minutes.
Safety and Security Standards
When searching for a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider, safety and security standards should be at the top of your list. The NEMT service you choose should have established protocols in place to ensure that passengers are safe and secure during their travels.
Your NEMT provider should ensure that their clients will always receive safe trips to and from their medical appointments by conducting background checks on all of their drivers. Professional drivers should have received adequate training to provide safe transport and they should be able to provide a comfortable experience for clients.
Offer a Variety of Vehicles
The non-emergency transportation service should provide diverse options for both individual and fleet vehicles, including those that are wheelchair-accessible and air-conditioned. Make sure that the company offers vehicles for all persons with disabilities, while handicap transportation services should ensure safe, comfortable, and efficient patient transportation.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of a NEMT provider’s fleet of vehicles is an essential part of providing safe and reliable transportation for non-emergent care. The safety of riders can be compromised if proper maintenance is not performed regularly. It is important that any non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider you go with has a proactive schedule for inspecting and servicing their vehicles so that unexpected breakdowns are avoided.
Punctual Driving
It goes without saying that punctuality is important when it comes to medical transport. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where your medical transport provider doesn’t show up on time and you miss your appointment or treatment session. Being late for an appointment can have serious repercussions for people with medical needs, and the consequences of being late can put their health at risk.
For this reason, finding a medical transport company with a proven record of punctuality is essential. The best companies guarantee reliable arrival times; they understand how vital it is for their clients to not have any missed appointments and they understand that their clients tend to have important medical issues and poor health. These providers will keep you informed and create realistic timetables so you know exactly where they are, who they are with, and when they should arrive. By keeping lines of communication open, punctual driving is much easier to achieve.
Communication Skills
When it comes to hiring drivers for a transportation service, it’s important to prioritize people skills. You want someone who is friendly and willing to engage in conversation with the passengers, as having an amiable driver can go a long way in making the passenger feel comfortable. A responsible driver who isn’t afraid to jump into a casual conversation or politely respond to any questions that come their way can make all the difference in creating a comfortable ride, especially for clients who receive routine trips.
The ability to communicate clearly is also an invaluable trait for anyone working on this side of customer service, as changes and delays are inevitable with travel plans. As such, you need someone you can rely on to inform all parties if the route needs to be changed during the trip. Great communication will not only help avoid confusion over time and destination changes but also show respect for customers and create a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.
Does Insurance Cover NEMT Services?
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) aims to offer accessible and affordable healthcare services to Medicaid members. To ensure this, it is necessary for them to have non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to and from medically necessary appointments, especially since other health costs can be high.
The NEMT program offers a mode of transportation to eligible individuals for their medical appointments. Members are required to have no alternative means of transportation and will only be transported to medical services covered by Medicaid. The NEMT program offers transportation services as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulation (42CFR431.53) for specified purposes:
- Receiving medical care from healthcare providers
- Undergoing medical assessments at a medical facility
- Obtaining medication with a prescription.
- Acquiring medical equipment.
DCH employs a brokerage system to facilitate coverage of transportation services. Modivcare Solutions and Verida are the brokers responsible for coordinating and providing NEMT services across Georgia's five regions.
What to Do if You Are in an Accident When Using a NEMT Service?
If a NEMT does not fulfill its safety responsibilities and a passenger is harmed due to driver negligence, the transportation service may be required to cover the medical expenses and other damages of the injured party.
In the event of an accident during NEMT transport, Mark's Law Group's experienced personal injury lawyers can assist by seeking financial compensation from a negligent transportation service responsible for any resulting injuries. Call us today for a free consultation!