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.
Understanding 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’s role in supporting physical therapy and rehab facilities
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:
Enhancing dignity and independence
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.
Being reliable and convenient
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.
Offering safety and comfort
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).
Here are just a few of Bambi’s favorite reasons why PT and rehab centers should utilize NEMT services (if they’re not already):
Improved attendance and engagement
Reliable transportation services enable patients to consistently attend their therapy sessions, leading to better engagement and improved recovery outcomes.
Reduced burden on staff and loved ones
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.
Consistent and recurring transportation covered
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.
Building long-term relationships
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.
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