How NEMT Improved Healthcare Access in Rural Areas

Transportation accessibility is one of the most pressing problems in a rural area, even more so if we are talking about transportation for seniors. As it is, the lack of sufficient appropriate vehicles for seniors is one of the major problems faced by the elderly in the United States. One can only imagine the same struggle in rural areas. It prevents people from accessing the best healthcare facilities, forcing them to settle for mediocre treatment. 

However, recent times have witnessed an improvement in this field, thanks to the NEMT services reaching almost every corner of the country. The lack of appropriate transportation for the elderly has been a huge obstacle in medical treatment. Patients miss their appointments and settle for local doctors, adversely affecting their health. NEMT services ensure that they get the best treatment and medical facilities. We must delve deep into the matter to understand the far-reaching effects of NEMT services in rural areas. So let’s see how non-emergency medical transportation has enabled people in rural areas to get the best healthcare facilities.

  • Safe Transportation

Private and public transport is unsafe for patient travel, especially when dealing with elderly adults or disabled people. Rural areas do not have a great transport layout, and thus vehicles are scarce. And even if you have a private car, it may not always be the safest option. Moreover, seniors need to fulfill different kinds of medical appointments, and it can be impossible for a family member to constantly be available for drives.

NEMT vehicles ensure that your loved one is picked up from their doorstep, and you need not accompany them every time they have an appointment. The NEMT vans have high safety standards, and thus the patient will face no problems throughout the transit.

  • Comfortable Travel

If a patient travels to one of the best city hospitals from a rural region, it might take up a considerable amount of time. It is important that the patient feels at ease throughout the journey, especially if it will be long. NEMT vehicles ensure the patient is comfortable throughout.

Stretcher transfers are undertaken only by trained professionals; thus, there is no chance of injury. Even for bedridden or wheelchair-supported patients, it is absolutely safe.

  • Hospital Discharge Vehicle Services

Transport from hospital to home is challenging, especially if you reside in the interiors. When released from 24-hour medical care, patients are generally not in their best health and must not be subjected to a lot of stress. Traveling in an inappropriate vehicle after discharge can cause injury, pain, and other serious consequences like internal bleeding, bruise, etc.

NEMT services work great for hospital discharge purposes. You can hire a ride at your convenience, and a fully-equipped van will reach the hospital. You need not wait for a cab or drive all the way home with a patient in your back seat without proper seat belts and crutches.

  • Trained Caregivers
Assisted medical transport services appoint trained caregivers to ensure patients are always tended to throughout. These caregivers have training in nursing and know all about first-aid and CPR. So if you are on your way to the hospital and an emergency arises, they are fully eligible and skilled to give you the best first aid treatment while you are on the road.

Some NEMT companies have ties with hospitals, allowing them to keep in touch with doctors through transit in an emergency. They follow the doctor’s orders, and treatment practically begins on the way. Since rural locations are generally far away from city hospitals, having a foolproof vehicle is the best option. It ensures the patient does not suffer due to the distance between their home and the medical center.

NEMT services have greatly improved access to healthcare facilities in rural areas. It allows people to connect with the best specialists and doctors without compromising due to the lack of a transport system. This service also allows patients to choose their options without depending on a family member or friend to drive them frequently. More and more people are beginning to see the importance and benefits of NEMT services, and it is becoming an indispensable medical transport vehicle in rural areas.

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