The non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts away from outdated phone-based scheduling systems. Historically, scheduling rides via phone calls has led to inefficiencies, delays, and a fragmented patient experience. However, digital solutions are rapidly addressing these issues, aiming to improve the entire process—from scheduling to billing.
Sufian Chowdhury, Kinetik CEO, recently spoke about the challenges and opportunities in the NEMT sector in an episode of the Empowered Patient Podcast. One major development highlighted in the discussion is the role of technology in automating many of the traditionally manual tasks associated with NEMT. By implementing digital platforms, healthcare providers can ensure faster and more accurate scheduling, real-time trip tracking, and seamless billing integration. This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the patient experience by reducing wait times and ensuring patients have timely access to their appointments.
Furthermore, by automating key processes, the platform also helps streamline the reimbursement cycle for transportation providers. This enables quicker, more reliable payments, helping to stabilize a vital part of the healthcare ecosystem.
Chowdhury also touches on the broader impacts these advancements have on the healthcare system as a whole. By improving access to care and reducing inefficiencies in the transportation system, there’s a direct correlation to better patient outcomes, fewer missed appointments, and overall cost savings in the healthcare sector.
Listen to the full episode here: Empowered Patient Radio
