Getting yourself or a loved one to the hospital isn’t always an emergency. But, if you don’t have a car, or you need special equipment to travel, how do you get there? That’s when Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) can be a great option, and we have a handful of NEMT tips to help you get started.
A person needs medical transport when they cannot get to a medical facility on their own. So, the NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) is for medical situations that aren’t emergencies or where the situation is within control.
There are different types of medical transport, discover what they are and how much they may cost. You’ll also find some great tips for choosing the right NEMT provider.
Types of Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
The NEMT service is primarily for patients who aren’t in an emergency but have difficulty transporting themselves for medical care. This mode of transportation is less expensive than an ambulance you’d call in an emergency.
Here are some common types of NEMT services.
1. Wheelchair Transportation
Finding a vehicle safe for wheelchair users can be difficult. That’s where NEMT providers specialized in wheelchair transportation come in. The NEMT provider has specialized vehicles that ensure patients have a safe trip to the medical facility.
Wheelchair transportation is a type of NEMT required by patients who can’t walk by themselves and need a wheelchair to move around. A sick person in a wheelchair can’t go to the hospital in a regular road vehicle
How Much Does Wheelchair Transportation Cost?
In Illinois, the fee for wheelchair transportation varies and depends on the day it’s booked.
- On weekdays, the price lies between $45-$50,
- During holidays, it rises to $85-$100, and
- On weekends, the cost is from $75-$90.
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Door-Through-Door Transportation
Door-through-door medical transportation is another NEMT commonly hailed in Illinois. This transportation usually costs lesser than ambulatory and wheelchair transportation.
A person who might need door-through-door transportation could be suffering from ailments like stroke or spinal cord diseases.
How Much Does Door-to-Door Transportation Cost?
The price of this type of medical transport isn’t fixed. It largely depends on the level of care the patient requires, how many medical attendants are en route with the patient, and the NEMT provider’s rates.
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Curb-to-Curb Transportation
Curb-to-curb transportation is quite similar to door-to-door transportation. It’s a NEMT service that moves a patient from one curb (roadside) to another curb.
Unlike door-to-door, this medical transport drops you off at a roadside close to your destination. So, if a patient isn’t in a life-threatening condition, curb-to-curb transport would be suitable for them.
How Much Does Curb-to-Curb Medical Transport Cost?
This type of NEMT is much cheaper than any other medical transport. The cost of a curb service depends on your distance from your destination.
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Long Distance NEMT
Long-distance NEMT is a medical transport for a sick person who needs a ride to an entirely different location. If a patient is traveling about 50 miles and beyond, this transport service is the best option to go for. It’s also best for trips across the country.
How Much Does Long-distance Medical Transport Cost?
This medical transport is usually the most expensive. This is because medical attendants must be on the journey to assist the patient. Long-distance NEMT can cost up to $25,000, especially if it’s air transport.
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Stretcher Transportation
Stretcher transportation can be a NEMT service if it isn’t an emergency. It’s used when the patient can’t sit upright.
The vehicle used for this type of transport doesn’t have passenger seats except for the ones for the paramedics and EMTs.
How Much Does the Stretcher Transport Cost?
The base rate for stretcher transport isn’t fixed as well. However, you could budget these prices when you request this medical transport:
- On weekdays, it ranges from $100-$200.
- During weekends, it falls between $125-$225
- On holidays, it goes up to $150-$250
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Dialysis NEMT
Patients with kidney failure may feel weak after their dialysis treatments. And it’s not safe to drive or use public transport in this state.
A NEMT service can safely transport you to and from the dialysis center. The trained staff with a NEMT service can also help ensure that you don’t experience any post-dialysis issues while in transit.
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Specialty Care Transport (SCT)
Specialty Care Transport involves transporting a patient from one medical facility to another. The patient is usually injured or critically ill and cannot move by themselves.
This type of NEMT is ideal for patients who need continuous care. Examples are patients placed on ventilators or intravenous drug administration.
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Bariatric NEMT Services
Bariatric patients need NEMT services with a special gurney wider than the usual ones. So, if a bariatric patient needs to go for a medical appointment, their best bet would be a NEMT which offers bariatric services.
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Life Support NEMT
There are two main types of life support NEMT services:
- Basic life support NEMT ambulances come with two EMTs and are ideal for patients who don’t need any extra support in transit.
- Advanced life support NEMT is for patients who need extra care and support in transit. This type of NEMT service is ideal for surgery patients receiving continuous intravenous medication, patients on a cardiac monitor, or patients with potential respiration problems.
5 Tips for Choosing a NEMT Provider
Look for the following 5 factors before deciding which NEMT provider to use.
Safety Level
A NEMT provider must have a 100% safety level. They must be able to safeguard the health of a patient in transit. So, when booking any NEMT provider, ensure they prioritize safety.
Accredited Company
Always ensure that the NEMT service provider you contact is from an accredited and verified company. This guarantees their efficiency to a large extent.
Great Timelines
Missing a doctor’s appointment because of a late NEMT provider is disappointing. So, always take note of the arrival timelines of your service providers.
Vehicle Maintenance
Pay attention to the medical vehicle your NEMT provider delivers. Using a poorly maintained vehicle can halt your transportation abruptly. So, try to look out for any issues the vehicle may have.
Enquire About Emergencies
Although NEMT services don’t handle emergencies, you still need to enquire about how they handle such situations if they occur in transit.
Difference Between NEMT and EMT
EMT (Emergency Medical Transportation) is necessary when there is an emergency – a critical situation where the patient is between life and death. So, it’s different from a NEMT which is for non-emergency situations.
For instance, if a patient gets in a car or gas accident, they’ll need an EMT ambulance.
The cost of using an ambulance is relatively high. So, ambulances are usually reserved for out-of-control casualties.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride in an EMT Ambulance In Chicago?
The charge for ambulatory transportation in Chicago is between $365 and $2,500. While for Illinois, generally, the ambulance service fee can cost up to $16 per mile, excluding basic or advanced life support.
Call Elite Ambulance for Your NEMT Needs
Medical transportation isn’t just for emergencies. Whether it’s a ride for transfer between hospitals, hospital visits for people on life support, or bariatric or dialysis patients, simply call Elite Ambulance. We’ll make sure you don’t miss any medical appointments.
Elite Ambulance is one of the leading ambulance companies in Chicago. All you need to do is to contact us, and we’d provide you with our EMT or NEMT services at your convenience.
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