The healthcare industry has made meaningful investments in digital transformation. Yet in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), digitization alone has not solved the core challenges facing health plans, Medicaid agencies, and transportation partners. Disconnected systems, delayed visibility, and fragmented data continue to limit oversight, accountability, and member experience.
In a recent article published by Healthcare IT Today, Jill Hericks of Kinetik outlines why interoperability must become the new standard for NEMT. She explains how real-time data exchange, unified operational and financial records, and closed-loop system integration are essential to strengthening this critical benefit.
Moving Beyond Basic Digitization
Many NEMT programs operate across multiple vendors and legacy broker structures, supported by siloed technology platforms. Even when workflows are digital, systems often fail to communicate with one another in real time. The result is limited visibility into trip status, billing accuracy, compliance risk, and performance outcomes.
True interoperability means:
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Real-time trip data shared across stakeholders
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Alignment between operational activity and financial records
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Automated validation between trip completion and claims submission
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Immediate visibility into service gaps and exceptions
With connected infrastructure, organizations can shift from reactive oversight to proactive management. That shift improves reliability, strengthens program integrity, and enhances the member experience.
Raising Expectations for Modern NEMT
As states and health plans modernize procurement and governance strategies, expectations must evolve. Digital tools alone are not enough. Leaders should evaluate whether their partners can deliver integrated systems that reduce administrative burden, increase transparency, and create a verifiable source of truth across the trip lifecycle.
Read the full article to explore why interoperability is central to the future of NEMT and how connected infrastructure can support access, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
