The global non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) industry is driving the care-economy well into the future. Many factors come into play for this booming billion dollar business that sits at the crossroads of healthcare and transportation. We summarized three reasons, of what we believe to be the biggest for this boom.
Check out these four must-know NEMT stats to get a hand on the wheel of this four-letter acronym’s upward trajectory.
People — from at-home patients of medical practices to folks with one-off medical needs — need NEMT. Too many Americans do not receive the care required because they cannot make it to their medical appointments — and the reason being: they simply don’t have access to transportation that will get them from A to B. This not only affects their own health and well-being, but that of the entire healthcare system, too.
It’s not just Americans that need the help getting to/from their medical appointments. It’s a global issue, too. The worldwide NEMT market is expected to experience notable expansion, reaching an estimated value of USD 15.58 billion by 2028. Sadly, the demand for NEMT services is on the rise due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a growing geriatric population. (Source: GlobeNewswire, 2023). This underscores the need for additional NEMT providers and an increase in the quality of current NEMT trips to bridge the gap and prepare for this massive additional wave of demand. This is a massive need and opportunity for NEMT providers, governments, care providers, and citizens to unite and ensure this critical service for the next decade.
There are clearly demonstrated cost benefits linked with NEMT services (i.e. faster recovered and healthier patients, less hospital overhead and human resources to name a few). And soon enough, healthcare providers and policymakers will see that it makes sense to consider boosting investments in NEMT in order that providers, patients and the general population benefit wherever and whenever NEMT services are available.
From the healthcare system people and the planet — everyone benefits when NEMT services are provided. It really does increase well-being and accessibility for all. The investment and integration of NEMT service into the healthcare system not only saves lives and money, it makes money, too!
Insurers and governments are becoming more aware of the critical link that NEMT plays in the healthcare ecosystem. The awareness that Investing in quality transportation for citizens and patients continues to proliferate for public options like Medicare and Medicaid at the state level in the US, especially with Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Rates for trips are set at the individual state and program level depending on several factors like distance, rural or non-rural, and equipment needs (wheelchair, stretcher, etc.). Currently, unfortunately many states and regions are not providing adequate trip reimbursement rates to truly incentivize and reward NEMT providers for their efforts. However, we think that this is going to change, and forward-thinking NEMT providers and organizations like the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commision (NEMTAC) and The Transportation Alliance are lobbying local, state, and federal governments to push for industry change.
As far as we can tell, the data above clearly showcases why continued and increased investment in NEMT service providers in 2024 and beyond are so crucial to not only the care economy, but the overall one, too.
Whether you’re a new or veteran NEMT business owner looking to streamline your service, we’ve got the scheduling and management-optimization software for you!
And if you’re keen to get into this lucrative caretaking business, it’s quite obvious that it’s one that’s going to keep driving the economy forward, always providing that job security while you provide security for the clients you take care of.
When it comes to the enchanted forest of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), it's the drivers who are the gentle dear guides of the service, entrusted with the crucial task of safely transporting patients to and from medical appointments.
This said, we know that finding skilled and competent NEMT drivers can sometimes feel like stumbling on a rare fantastic fungi in Bambi’s forest, but it’s really not that tricky of a find as there are more and more folks keen to take their office to the road.
And upon some heart-felt welcoming through thorough compassionate company onboarding, we’re confident you’ll land some lovely drivers who are highly qualified and/or willing to get there through rigorous training.
Because we understand customer service and reliability of your NEMT business is of utmost importance, we'll walk you through Bambi’s forest of tips that will assist you in finding and fostering the finest of drivers for your team. And if you need more tips, we recommend listening to the NEMT Startup Coach’s tell-all on the topic.
Before you begin your search, take the time to clearly define the qualities and qualifications you're seeking in an NEMT driver. Consider factors such as driving experience, empathy, communication skills and reliability. Creating a detailed job description outlining these requirements will help beckon the kind-hearted Bambi souls who will align with your service's ethos, values and standards.
To connect with those who share a heart for healthcare, wander into those tailored recruitment havens. Partner with nearby vocational sanctuaries, community colleges or healthcare habitats. Don't forget to venture into the digital glades of online job boards, social media groves and NEMT industry-specific clearings, where a gentle rustle of potential curious candidates awaits.
As applications flutter into your care, nurture them with a thorough screening to uncover the very best candidates who match your vision. Conduct background checks, peer into driving records and feel the pulse of candidates' dedication to patient care and professionalism. Consider inviting them to a face-to-face interview, where you can really gain a glimpse of their interpersonal magic and assess their fit for the role.
Once you've selected promising candidates, invest in their comprehensive training to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success as a new NEMT driver. Provide courses on safe driving practices, patient handling techniques, emergency procedures, customer service excellence and more! Ensuring that all your drivers receive proper certification and stay up-to-date with the necessary regulatory requirements will be imperative to keep consistency to your high standards for patient care and connection with your corporate culture.
Bambi and his friends were always learning new ways of the forest. So, like our dear deer and furry companions, encourage ongoing professional development and learning opportunities for your NEMT drivers. This furthers the point above, but be sure to offer regular training sessions, workshops and even invitations to NEMT industry conferences so they can continue to upskill and keep informed about best practices and emerging trends. Fostering a supportive environment where drivers feel empowered to share insights, feedback and learn from each other's experiences is also the Bambi way.
Beyond technical skills, instill in your drivers the essence of empathy and tenderness. They signed up to be working in caregiving so it likely just comes naturally in their character. Train them to provide respectful, patient-centered care, recognizing the unique needs and concerns of each individual they’ll be driving. Encourage them to build rapport with patients, to nurture connections, offering reassurance, support and companionship throughout the entire journey. Again, we’re not saying they have to become besties like Bambi seems to do with all who crossed his paths, we’re just saying some compassion and conversational skills go a long way.
All in all, we know that finding, hiring, and training competent NEMT drivers is essential for delivering high-quality, reliable transportation services to patients in need. By defining your ideal candidate profile, tapping into targeted recruitment channels, screening candidates thoroughly, prioritizing training and certification, promoting continuous learning and emphasizing compassionate care, you can build a team of skilled and dedicated drivers who uphold the values of your NEMT service and make a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.
Because with each mile traveled, your fleet of NEMT drivers will leave behind a trail of warmth and comfort, brightening the lives of those they serve and service.
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See the full interview on YouTube.
Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast on YouTube.
Also, available to watch on Spotify
And listen (audio only) on your other favorite podcast platforms Apple and Pandora.
In a recent NEMT Experts podcast episode, Nirav Chheda, CEO of Bambi, interviewed Ed Bandas and Dave DeRoin from Broda about their groundbreaking Traversa chair. This innovative product is transforming the non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) industry by providing a safer, more comfortable, and more profitable solution for stretcher and gurney trips.
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The Broda Traversa chair is a revolutionary product that is transforming the NEMT industry. With its focus on safety, comfort, and profitability, it's no wonder that NEMT providers and patients alike are embracing this innovative solution. To learn more about the Traversa chair and how it can benefit your business, visit the Broda Seating website or contact their sales team.
Within the world of medical transportation, the urgency and nature of the situation determine the appropriate mode of transport. While calling 911 for ambulances is vital for life-threatening emergencies, there’s a significant need for an alternative solution when the situation is not a matter of life or death. For those not-so-urgent moments, this is where non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers come to the rescue.
You can think of it as not crying wolf, but calling Bambi instead — a gentle, suitable option for those non-critical needs. Because crying wolf actually presents a problem in the healthcare industry and puts actual lives in danger. In the context of medical transport, "crying wolf" can be equated to calling an ambulance for non-emergency situations.
What happens when you cry wolf
There’s misallocation of resources can lead to several problems:
This is why it's crucial for non-emergency patients to avoid calling 911 and instead utilize NEMT services. By doing so, they help ensure that emergency medical resources remain available for those who truly need them. NEMT provides a practical and cost-effective solution — in fact, Medicaid in most states covers this as services for its beneficiaries — for patients who need medical transportation without the urgency of an ambulance.
Why call a dear NEMT provider instead
As you all know by now, having kept up with our Bambi content, NEMT services cater to a wide range of needs, including:
Opting for NEMT over an ambulance
In non-emergency situations there are several benefits. Here are a few of those reasons:
Make the Right Call
In the end, it’s all about making the right call. Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the appropriate use of medical transportation is crucial, and that's why we at Bambi are here to help. Here are some guidelines to help determine when to call NEMT instead of an ambulance:
In the way that crying wolf can lead to unnecessary panic and resource strain, calling an ambulance for non-emergencies can have similar consequences. By understanding and utilizing NEMT services appropriately, we can ensure that medical resources are used efficiently and effectively — and save lives at the same time. This serves as a friendly reminder that the next time you’re faced with a non-emergency medical transport need, remember: don’t cry wolf, call Bambi instead.
Of course, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t use emergency vehicles. If you’re ever in doubt about your health or that of a loved one, always call 911. Taking ownership of your health and promptly addressing concerns is crucial, whether it's for yourself, a loved one or even a stranger in need — because that's the Bambi way, helping out forest friends near and dear to his deer heart, or making a new friend of all kinds.
In our Insights articles, our goal is to enlighten and educate our caretech customers about the diverse range of individuals they may encounter while providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. We have discussed wheelchair-bound customers, those requiring stretchers, and recently, individuals needing transportation to and from dialysis appointments, physical therapy and adult day care centers. However, we have not yet explored the unique needs of bariatric customers receiving treatment for obesity.
That’s what we'll address here now, but first, let's understand what bariatrics even is.
Bariatrics is a branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. It encompasses a wide range of treatment modalities, including lifestyle and behavioral changes, pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric professionals include doctors, dietitians, surgeons and other healthcare providers, including NEMTs, who specialize in helping patients manage obesity through medical and surgical means.
In short, while obesity refers to the condition of having excess body fat, bariatrics refers to the medical field dedicated to the treatment and management of obesity.
Our big Bambi hearts go out to these patients who are on the journey to better health. They have made the courageous decision to seek treatment for their obesity and are actively engaged in this process. This is why they rely on NEMT services to get to their appointments and take steps toward managing their weight. They need your NEMT provider support more than ever. Because sadly, sometimes, these individuals have been ostracized by their families due to their weight issues, leaving them with few sources of support, which can be incredibly isolating and distressing.
To better understand the scope and impact of bariatric treatments, consider these statistics:
Over 250,000 bariatric surgeries are performed annually in the United States. Approximately 42.4% of adults in the US are obese, increasing the demand for bariatric treatments. Bariatric surgery is considered one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity, with significant weight loss and health improvements reported. The prevalence of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea is high, further driving the need for bariatric treatments. Bariatric surgery can reduce mortality rates in severely obese patients by 30-40%. These facts underscore the significant impact of obesity and the crucial role of bariatric treatments in addressing this health issue in the United States. (Source: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)).
NEMT services are essential for ensuring bariatric patients receive safe, reliable and comfortable transportation to their medical appointments and therapy sessions, supporting their overall health and well-being. Here’s how:
Specialized NEMT vehicles: Bariatric patients often require vehicles that can accommodate their size and weight safely. NEMT providers often have specialized vehicles equipped with ramps, lifts and larger seating capacities to transport bariatric patients comfortably.
Accessibility: NEMT services ensure that bariatric riders have access to transportation that meets their mobility needs. This includes assistance via a helping hoof with boarding and disembarking from the vehicle, which can be challenging for individuals with such limited mobility.
Regular medical appointments: Bariatric patients may need regular medical appointments for follow-ups, nutritional counseling and post-surgery rehabilitation through physical therapy. NEMT services help ensure they can attend these appointments on a consistent basis.
Safety and comfort: NEMT providers are trained to handle the unique needs of bariatric patients, ensuring their safety and comfort during transportation. This includes properly securing the patient and equipment — such as their wheelchairs to prevent injury during transit.
Dignity and independence: Access to reliable NEMT allows bariatric patients to maintain their independence and dignity, rather than relying on family members or struggling with inaccessible public transportation.
All in all, the compassionate care provided by NEMT drivers plays a significant role in the lives of bariatric patients. Beyond ensuring safe and comfortable transportation, these drivers offer empathy and support that is invaluable to these often vulnerable riders.
As a caretech company deeply committed to the well-being of our customers and their customers, we understand the importance of this support. We strive to ensure that bariatric patients receive the very best care from our dear NEMT providers.It is through their dedication and empathy that we can all make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, supporting their journey to improved health and quality of life. Now that’s the Bambi way after all!
At Bambi, our aim is to create innovative software solutions that improve patient outcomes by supporting our customers — the ones helping patients get to their physical therapy (PT) appointments so they can focus on their sessions and other therapy goals.
It might sound a bit exaggerated (and a stretch), but our software enables our customers to extend a helping Bambi hoof so their clients can safely get to and from their therapy (and stretching) sessions.
As you may have already read, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is an essential service for dialysis and Adult Day Care center patients. It’s also invaluable for those receiving regular PT; and so this article focuses specifically on transportation support for physical therapy and rehab patients.
As of this year, there are approximately 38,000 physical therapy centers across the US. This $34 billion industry is highly fragmented, with most centers being small to medium regional providers rather than large national chains. These centers provide essential services, including outpatient physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and audiology, operating in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, schools and sports facilities (Source: IBISWorld) and ResearchMarket). This is to say, as an NEMT provider, you need to think outside the box (chain).
The fact that the PT industry is fragmented presents a significant opportunity for NEMT providers to support these facilities, especially small to medium-sized businesses that could benefit from partnerships with similar-sized providers. Here, we’ll explore how NEMT services play a major role in supporting these facilities, offering vital transportation solutions that help patients attend their therapy sessions and return home safely.
Whether you’re looking to enter a new market or expand your existing services, physical therapy and rehab facilities offer an excellent opportunity for NEMT providers to establish valuable business relationships and gain consistent customers. Because it’s true, these are places where most patients need to go multiple times while healing from injuries or health conditions — so they’ll be repeat customers even by default. First and foremost, though, let’s ensure we understand the need for physical therapy and rehab facilities.
Physical therapy and rehab facilities provide essential care and rehabilitation services for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries or managing chronic conditions. These facilities offer a supportive environment where patients receive personalized therapies, exercises and treatments aimed at improving their mobility, strength and overall well-being.
The issue here is that many patients receiving PT are unable to drive themselves to and from appointments per their injuries, and thus this presents an opportunity for NEMT to come in.
NEMT services are essential for patients who require assistance or supervision to attend their therapy appointments. Many patients may not have the ability to drive themselves due to their medical condition, age or mobility restrictions. Reliable NEMT services bridge this gap, ensuring patients can access the care they need without the stress of relying on family members or unreliable transportation options.
Here are some key benefits of NEMT services for patients attending physical therapy and rehab facilities:
NEMT services provide patients with a sense of dignity and independence by offering reliable and professional transportation tailored to their specific needs. Patients no longer need to rely solely on family members or struggle with public transportation, which can be unreliable and even completely inaccessible.
NEMT services offer scheduled and dependable transportation, ensuring patients arrive on time for their therapy sessions and return home safely thereafter. This reliability reduces stress for both patients and their families, knowing that transportation is taken care of.
NEMT drivers are trained to assist patients with special needs, ensuring their safety and comfort during the journey. Vehicles are equipped with features like wheelchair ramps or lifts, providing a comfortable and secure transportation experience (and helping hoof when needed).
Reliable transportation services enable patients to consistently attend their therapy sessions, leading to better engagement and improved recovery outcomes.
With NEMT services managing transportation logistics, PT staff can focus on delivering quality care and rehabilitation services. Families also experience reduced stress, knowing their loved ones have a safe and reliable means of transportation to and from therapy.
Physical therapy and rehab facilities typically have regular schedules for their patients therapy sessions, creating a steady demand for transportation services. This consistency makes these facilities an ideal partner for NEMT providers seeking long-term clients.
Establishing business partnerships with physical therapy and rehab facilities allows NEMT providers to build trust and long-term relationships. These partnerships can lead to ongoing contracts, providing a stable revenue stream and ensuring patients have continuous access to transportation and friendly smiles from their regular dear drivers.
At Bambi, as a care-tech company servicing the healthcare industry with our “soft”ware, we believe in caring with compassion. Not only are we on a mission to create aiNEMT software that literally saves lives and the planet too, we’re also here to educate and empower non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service providers — yes, you, our dear customers, whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional.
In this article, we’ll highlight how NEMT services play an important role in supporting Adult Day Care (ADC) centers, offering dignity and independence to those attending these centers who also rely on these transportation services to make it to their day out and in at day care. Whether you’re new to your local market or a seasoned professional, ADCs are an excellent place to find customers and establish business relationships for your NEMT fleet. For one, there are over 4,000 centers across the US alone providing care for over 237,000 participants on any given day. This is to say there’s a lot of Bambi potential in bringing your NEMT business to support these centers.
But first, let’s understand what an Adult Day Care center even is and what NEMTs’ role are in supporting them.
Adult Day Care centers are community-based facilities providing essential care and companionship for older adults and individuals with disabilities who need assistance or supervision during the day. These centers offer a safe and engaging environment where attendees can participate in social activities, receive medical care, enjoy nutritious meals and benefit from various necessary therapies. ADCs are a lifeline for families, providing respite care and ensuring their loved ones are well-cared for during the day.
NEMT is a vital service that ensures individuals can access the care and social services they need without the stress of relying on emergency transport or inadequate public transit. For many attendees of ADCs, driving themselves is not an option due to their age, disability or health conditions — and so reliable NEMT services bridge this gap, ensuring that these individuals can attend their ADCs regularly, whether on a daily or weekly basis.
Here are just a few of Bambi’s favorite benefits for ADC attendees in utilizing NEMT services:
As mentioned previously (and we often talk about this in general here at Bambi); that one of the most profound benefits of NEMT services is the sense of dignity and independence it provides to ADC riders. No longer do they have to rely solely on friends, family or unreliable public transport. Instead, they can confidently call upon reliable, professional and compassionate transportation services tailored to their needs. From healthy snacks and even fun, theme rides, NEMT services offer a personalized touch that enhances the overall experience for these ADC attendees.
NEMT services offer scheduled and dependable transportation, ensuring that attendees arrive at their ADCs on time and can return home safely after a long day’s worth of socializing and/or partaking in therapies. This reliability reduces stress for both the attendees and their families, knowing that the getting there and back is one less thing to worry about.
NEMT drivers are trained to assist with special needs, ensuring that all passengers are safe and comfortable during their journey. Most NEMT fleets are equipped to handle wheelchairs and other assistive devices, providing a Bambi swift and seamless arrival and departure.
When reliable transportation is provided, attendees can consistently participate in the activities and services offered by ADCs. This increased attendance leads to better engagement and overall satisfaction among ADC attendees.
With NEMT services handling transportation, ADC staff can focus on what they do best, which is providing care and support on premise. And again, families also experience reduced stress, knowing their loved ones have a reliable way to get to and from the ADC center.
ADCs typically have regular schedules, meaning there is a steady demand for transportation services. This consistency makes ADCs an ideal place for NEMT providers to find long-term clients.
Establishing partnerships with ADCs allows NEMT providers to build trust and long-term relationships. These partnerships can lead to ongoing contracts, providing a stable revenue stream and ensuring that attendees have continuous access to transportation. This consistency benefits everyone involved: attendees enjoy reliable rides with familiar, friendly drivers, fostering a sense of community and comfort.
All in all, reliable NEMT is more than just a ride; it’s a lifeline that ensures dignity, independence and engagement for attendees of Adult Day Care centers. At Bambi, we encourage NEMT providers to consider the immense benefits of partnering with ADCs. Together, we can enhance the lives of those we serve by providing compassionate, dependable transportation solutions.
Within healthcare, many services extend beyond routine checkups; some even become lifelines. Dialysis is one of these life-saving treatments. Unfortunately, not everyone who needs it has access to it.
For patients undergoing dialysis treatments*, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) isn't just a ride — it is a literal lifeline to their dialysis appointment. NEMT ensures they receive that critical care reliably and compassionately, without the stress of transportation hurdles. This is especially crucial given that many patients require dialysis several times a week. Relying on NEMT providers rather than burning out family members for their support allows patients to maintain their dignity throughout their dialysis journey.
NEMT service not only provides physical transport but also offers emotional support filled with compassion and empathy, from the dedicated drivers — of whom we call dears of the road — to those navigating the challenges of chronic illness.
In this article, we’ll explore how NEMT serves as this lifeline for dialysis patients, delivering not only the to and from appointments, but also empathy along the way. But first, let’s make sure you understand what dialysis even is.
Dialysis is a medical treatment that performs the functions of the kidneys if they fail or are unable to work properly. The primary roles of dialysis include:
Patients receiving hemodialysis are the most likely to use NEMT services. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, is primarily conducted at home or for patients already under hospital care. Therefore, NEMT services are particularly crucial for those undergoing hemodialysis, ensuring they can reliably get to their treatments. Here’s why NEMT is so important for these hemodialysis patients:
For dialysis patients, many of whom may be dealing with fatigue and discomfort, a compassionate approach can make a significant difference. Imagine a ride where the driver knows your name, remembers your preferences (from that calming playlist for the long commute to that favorite healthy snack when hunger pangs kick in), and genuinely cares about your overall well-being — just like Bambi would for all his furry forest friends. NEMT providers understand that their service goes beyond the simple act of driving. It's about being there, on time, every time, with a friendly smile.
Safety is paramount in healthcare transportation. NEMT ensures that patients get to their dialysis appointments safely, comfortably and reliably, regardless of weather conditions or traffic jams. This might mean picking up patients even earlier if traffic or storms are expected. It's about providing peace of mind, knowing that no matter what, patients will receive the treatment they need on schedule.
Beyond the physical transport, NEMT offers emotional support. It's about understanding the challenges patients face and being there to listen and console. Oftentimes, a reassuring conversation or a simple smile can lighten the burden of chronic illness.
For many dialysis patients, NEMT provides a sense of independence and dignity, as they don’t need to rely on their friends and families for rides. It allows them to maintain their routines, stay connected with their communities and continue to lead fulfilling lives despite their medical needs.
Sources: United States Renal Data System (USRDS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), ESRD Networks and First Research)
At Bambi, we’re dedicated to ensuring our customers are well-informed about the various healthcare services their potential customers might need. That's why we want to provide more context on dialysis — not just because many dialysis patients use NEMT services, but also to help NEMTpreneurs entering the market. We recommend reaching out to dialysis facilities in your area to see if they’ve partnered with any NEMT providers. If not, you could offer your services to their patients. This is just one of the many ways to grow your business locally.
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See the full interview on YouTube.
Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast on YouTube.
Also, available to watch on Spotify
And listen (audio only) on your other favorite podcast platforms Apple and Pandora.
Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda talks with Ryan Reifert, Owner of Carelink Transportation, on how his NEMT business does extremely long distance NEMT trips.This podcast offers valuable insights into the NEMT industry. Ryan's emphasis on building relationships, embracing technology, and diversifying revenue streams has contributed to the significant growth of his company in a short period. CareLink's willingness to take on long-distance trips and focus on reliability and cleanliness further sets them apart in the competitive NEMT market. Their success story demonstrates the importance of adaptability, strong company culture, and a customer-centric approach in the transportation industry.
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