What To Look for In a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Van
One of the obvious biggest challenges of seniors towards maintaining a social and independent lifestyle is having a suitable means of transportation. Many persons, either because of age or a disability, are unable to attend functions without the assistance of friends and family.
In a bid to maintain the quality of lifestyle that many older folks have been used to, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) exploits different ways of keeping seniors active. Moreover, not being able to meet medical appointments, or even visit the beach could have lingering negative physical, mental, and emotional health impacts.
In this piece, we’ve compiled what you need to look for when considering a non-emergency medical transport van among a NEMT Company’s fleet of vehicles.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
Non-emergency medical transportation provides accessible transportation to individuals who cannot readily transport themselves alone, in non-emergency situations. NEMT isn’t only offered by private companies, it’s also a core part of Medicaid in some states.
Typically, NEMT providers offer the following medical transportation services:
- Door-to-door or bed-to-bed services
- Appointment-based pick-up and drop-up
- Stretcher vehicles
- Wheelchair vans or ambulettes
Benefits of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
During an emergency, a sick or injured person would typically request an ambulance from a hospital. But when they’re not in an emergency, it could become a struggle to access social gatherings, medical care, etc.
Therefore, employing non-emergency medical transport vans, or other similarly useful vehicles, can help remove the hindrances and improve access for you, your loved ones, or disabled residents around you.
Moreover, NEMT services can also help reduce the overall costs of medical care. For instance, when patients make medical appointments regularly, they could save themselves several fall-outs that could result from irregular or missed doctor’s visits.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Equipment
Depending on the service you want from your NEMT Company, different vehicle components work uniquely in aiding transportation. Your NEMT Company has different vehicular equipment options such as:
Ambulettes : Ambulettes are similar in size to some ambulances, but have specially designed and flexible layouts. Ambulettes are a good choice for non-emergency medical tips, e.g., visiting some off-site health facilities.
Wheelers : Wheelchair-accessible vans have wheelers that make provision for passengers who have to be in wheelchairs.
Converted Vans : These allow the NEMT Company to convert an existing vehicle into one having ramps, towered-floor, etc. to accommodate a patient.
Key Features to Look Out for in Medical Transport Vans
Regardless of the kind of services you’re hiring the NEMT Company for, their medical transport vans must have the following features to enhance their usage. The vans ought to meet ADA standards, some of which are enumerated below:
- Their vans must have a lift or ramp (Wheelchair ramps must support at least three hundred pounds with the smallest slope possible)
- The vans must have a door height of between 56 to 58 inches.
- The floor of the vehicle, ramps, and the lifts must be slip-resistant
- The vehicles must have exterior lighting, and any stepwell or doorway must have interior lighting.
- The vans must have a securement attachment (at least one) that secures wheelchairs and other devices used to aid mobility.
