If you’re searching for non-emergency medical transportation services, you should know that there are several important questions you should ask. From the type of service you need to the price, and to any potential barriers to accessing the service, you should be prepared.
Pre-authorization
Before searching for non-emergency medical transportation, a provider should first get pre-authorization. A pre-authorization allows you to address problems with claims before you submit them to Medicare. It also reduces the number of rejections and denials that you receive.
Pre-authorization is required for both facility-to-facility and nonemergency ambulance transports. The process begins with a written request from a physician, nurse practitioner, or another responsible party. Once the request is received, the prior authorization department will process it within 48 to 72 hours. If the request is denied, the requesting provider will be notified.
If the request is approved, the fiscal agent will inform the provider of the authorization decision. The provider will then be required to provide documentation to support the medical necessity of the transport.
Prior authorization may only be granted for up to 40 round trips in a 60-day period. Any additional trips are determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, a client who has been diagnosed with a debilitating condition that requires ongoing care and treatment is eligible for an exception to the 60-day rule.
Obtaining prior authorization before seeking non-emergency medical transportation helps you meet Medicare regulations and decreases the number of denials. It also allows you to reduce the number of appeals you must make if a claim is rejected.
Prior authorization is also available for a variety of other transportation services. You may need to obtain authorization for inpatient admissions, office visits, or emergency/9-1-1 means of transport.
The best way to navigate the maze of pre-authorization rules is to familiarize yourself with the guidelines of the major insurance players in your market. These rules can make a big difference in how much money you receive for ambulance transport.
Door-to-door service
When looking for the right non-emergency medical transportation solution for you or your loved one, there are numerous options available. The key to making the best choice is to find a provider that specializes in your area and provides good value. A good place to start is by calling your local emergency number and letting them know you need a ride.
Unlike curb-to-curb service, door-to-door service will have a professional driver escorting you to and from your appointment. Some companies even offer wheelchair and gurney rides. Door-to-door service is especially handy for college students with disabilities.
Aside from being a good idea, a door-to-door service can save you money and provide peace of mind. You might be able to get a discount if you have multiple medical appointments in a day. To ensure a smooth ride, take advantage of a company’s mobile app and pre-book a ride. For instance, ModivCare has a mobile app that allows you to schedule a ride for a set fee. Another option is American Logistics, which has a partnership with Uber. Both companies have their own impressive mobile apps.
While the non-emergency medical transportation industry is still in its infancy, the demand for the service is on the rise. There are a wide variety of options, from small home-based businesses to larger corporate enterprises. Finding the right provider can be tricky. However, there are several reputable companies that offer the most popular options.
Using the right services can ensure that you or your loved one is treated with the utmost respect and care. Whether you are in need of a simple ride to the doctor’s office, or you need more comprehensive assistance, the professionals at Sinai can help.
Charges
A non-emergency medical transportation service can get you from point A to point B for a price. This is especially true if you have to travel to another city for a doctor’s appointment. NEMT services are available in most major cities across the country. In some cases, you might find yourself in need of a stretcher-toting chariot to reach your destination. Luckily, this kind of transport is more affordable than you might expect.
The best way to determine the cost of a given NEMT service is to call around to local hospitals and clinics to see if you can get a discount. You can also call in for a quote from a local private carrier. Alternatively, you can also use an online quoting service to get a fair quote. Depending on the type of NEMT service you are interested in, you can find prices as low as $20 per hour. As with all things in life, there are a few snags. Among other things, you should be sure that the driver has a valid state license and is insured. Lastly, you should be wary of companies that charge a premium for insurance. Even if you don’t have any sort of health care coverage, you can still find a low-cost service to take you from A to B. Besides, you might be surprised by the quality of some of these NEMT services.
While you’re at it, you should also call your physician to make sure that you don’t have a preexisting medical condition that would prohibit you from availing of a NEMT service. Having a health condition like diabetes could lead to higher bills than you had bargained for, so making sure you’re on the right track is an excellent idea.
Barriers to accessing the service
The transportation system plays a critical role in the provision of medical care. It facilitates physical access to providers and services and helps to mitigate the adverse health consequences of a lack of timely access to care. Transportation barriers include inadequate infrastructure, costs, and long travel distances. These barriers can result in late arrivals, missed appointments, and medication use.
Research has shown that patients who have chronic conditions and functional limitations experience higher rates of transport barriers. This is especially true for those with disabilities. Similarly, people in economically and socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to encounter transport barriers.
In a National Health Interview Survey, a sample of adult Americans aged 18 and older was asked to identify their usual source of medical care. Of these respondents, 80 percent reported a specific physician. One in five reported at least one barrier to accessing care. Some of the most common barriers to care included transportation, language barriers, and cost.
In addition, people without a personal vehicle were more likely to encounter transportation barriers. These barriers included insufficient public transportation, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of car or driver availability. People with household vehicles often do not consider alternatives when traveling for medical care.
Despite the fact that many of these barriers can be overcome, they may limit individual access to care. For example, a woman living in a rural community may have to travel a full day to have a checkup with her doctor. She may have to take four bus routes and miss half a day at work.
There are many ways to address these transportation barriers. For example, partnering with ride-hailing companies and other healthcare stakeholders can reduce transportation barriers for low-income Medicaid patients. Other strategies can include innovations in healthcare policy and coordination.
Recommendations
There are a number of reasons why someone may need non-emergency medical transportation. From a person with a disability to a senior citizen who doesn’t drive, to a child who needs to travel to the doctor, there are several reasons why someone may need such services.
If you are looking for the best non-emergency medical transportation, you want to make sure you choose the right carrier for your specific situation. That’s why you need to ask some questions before signing on the dotted line.
The key to asking the right question is to be clear about what you need. For example, you might be in need of a wheelchair transport, but your insurance provider may have guidelines on access to a chair. Choosing a carrier with the right vehicle for the job can mean the difference between a successful or failed trip.
You should also look into the different types of vehicles that will be used to get you where you need to go. While minivans and SUVs are common, your insurer might have requirements for a specific model.
Finally, you need to consider the cost of the service. Ambulances can be pricey, and you may be liable for hundreds of dollars out of pocket. A cheaper option is to use a non-emergency medical transportation service. This can help save you money and protect the health of your loved one.
Using a non-emergency medical transportation service may also save you money. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, the company you choose may be compensated by these agencies, so you won’t have to pay out of pocket.
When choosing a non-emergency medical transportation service, it’s a good idea to compare companies and see which one has the best rates, location, and quality of services. Finding a company that fits your needs isn’t impossible. Just remember to research the various carriers, and you should find the perfect one in no time.
