Are you in need of reliable transportation to keep you on schedule? Whether you need to get your grocery shopping done or visit the doctor for an appointment, you want to trust a reliable wheelchair transportation service in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area to get you there. When you book with Integrity Medical Transportation, you can trust that our drivers will get you where you need to go safely and while staying comfortable. These are just a few of the reasons why you should book your travel with us.

Wheelchair Features

When you need to transport your handicap family members or friends, you need to have a vehicle that can accommodate them safely. This means that you should have enough space for them and their wheelchairs, a ramp for them to get into the vehicle, and other important safety harnesses or straps. Depending on the level of their mobility, you may need to get an entirely new vehicle. When you use a transportation service, you do not have to worry about any of these features, as you trust that the fleet already has everything to keep you and your passengers safe.

Stay Comfortable

Transportation companies offer many different types of vehicles to keep their passengers comfortable. This means that when you are travelling with many people, you can reserve a larger van or even bus that can accommodate everyone. Spacious seating allows you to enjoy a comfortable ride while you are on your trip or on a day out with your friends and family.

Scheduling is Easy

Sometimes, you just need to stay on a schedule. Whether you have a doctors’ appointment or you want to stick to a strict schedule on your day out, you may want to reserve your travel with a transportation company. They are reliable when it comes to making arrangements and sticking to your itinerary, which means you never have to worry about being late or falling behind on your plans for the day.

Reserve Anytime

Transportation services are available any time. If you dislike driving at night, or you worry that you will be too tired in the early morning hours, contact a transportation company to take care of everything you need. They have the experience and skills to get you to your destination no matter what time of the day or night it is.

Save Yourself the Time

You may not even realize how much time a transportation service can save you. Not only will they stick to your reserved time slots, but they can help you avoid getting stuck in traffic, as they know all of the best routes to take. They will also save you time by allowing you to relax during your trip instead of focusing on the drive.

If you are looking for reliable wheelchair transportation service in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, contact our team to schedule your reservation with us today!

At some point, the need for non-emergency medical transportation enters almost all of our lives. So let’s look at five benefits NEMT can have for you or a loved one.

1.) Reduce Stress – It’s a simple fact that even in the best times, transportation can be a stressor.  Costs associated with vehicle maintenance, and traffic rush hours & delays are never easy to deal with.  Add on top of these any host of health issues – post-surgery medical appointments, treatments for chronic ailments, trips to specialists or GPs, care for accidents that may have caused a broken bone – and it’s crystal clear that trying to get to and from the hospital or medical center can be a challenge.  Let Integrity Medical Transport alleviate this major concern.

2.) Increase Safety – Let’s face it, driving always presents its hazards, and when you mix in rain, snow, or bad road conditions, it can sometimes be extremely challenging, especially for an aging individual or someone dealing with a health issue. Integrity Medical Transport has highly trained drivers and the most well-maintained fleet of vehicles in the non-emergency medical transportation industry. Integrity Medical Transport is also certified in transporting clients those receiving oncological treatments or recovering from brain trauma injuries, both specialty transportation services.

3.) Save Time and Money – Integrity Medical Transport was one of the first pioneers in the non-emergency medical transportation industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, and its cumulative experience is unsurpassed by any other provider. Integrity Medical Transport has longstanding relationships with the hospitals and medical centers throughout the region, and thus the knowledge of all the nuances in navigating in and out of each destination with the highest efficiency.   One of the foundations Integrity Medical Transport was built upon was to provide its clients with the shortest wait times in the industry, and it is a goal that they have continuously achieved and will continue to meet.

4.) Understanding Insurance Policies – One of the most important benefits you will receive from Integrity Medical Transport is their expertise in dealing with the intricate health insurance maze.  The institutional knowledge that Integrity Medical Transport has built-in more than thirty-five years of experience will allow you to rest assured that they fully comprehend the insurance regulations and that you will be sure to receive the optimum transportation coverage to which you are entitled.

5.) Life Enrichment – Beyond the medical appointment visits that Metro Trans will provide, you can also use their top-quality ride services to drive you to and from social activities and daily life tasks such as trips to the bank, the grocery store, or the pharmacy. As a result, your sense of independence and overall quality of life will be significantly enhanced.

Whether you are ambulatory or not,  contact Integrity Medical Transport today and personally talk to a representative to learn about the ride services available for you or your loved one!

Nearly 5.8 million Americans miss or delay their healthcare due to a lack of transportation, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health. That is nearly 16,000 people per day in the United States that are not seeing their doctor, many of those people have chronic conditions where a missed appointment can have a serious adverse effect on their health. As a country, we have long known that providing transportation to Medicaid patients is an essential benefit. Since 1965, Medicaid has had a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit and over 75 million people are enrolled in Medicaid as of 2019. According to a new KFF Medicaid budget survey, states are anticipating growth of 8.2% in Medicaid membership in 2021, largely driven by COVID impacts and the high unemployment rate. As Medicaid enrollment and Medicaid eligibility expansion occurs, the need for NEMT services grows as well.  

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provides services to patients who have difficulties getting to and from medical appointments, social services, or behavioral health services because they are unable to access transportation on their own. That might be because they live in a rural area without access to public transportation, lack a driver’s license or vehicle, have challenges getting friends or family to provide rides, or have physical or cognitive challenges that prevent them from driving. Sometimes it’s as simple as patients who are elderly and do not feel comfortable getting behind the wheel, and in their desire to remain independent, do not want to reach out to friends and family for a ride to the doctor. 

Non-emergency medical transportation is not just for routine trips to the doctor’s office. It also applies to patients who need a ride home after an emergency room visit, need to be transferred between hospitals to receive specialized care, or need to get to a food bank, to job training or to pick up medications at the pharmacy. 

The need for medical transportation providers (wheelchair vans, non-emergency ambulances) and the technology to efficiently coordinate rides for patients is estimated to grow at a rate of 6.5% per year for the next 5 years, based on recent industry reports. The past year exposed many of the weaknesses in the NEMT system and the vulnerabilities of our aging, rural, and low socioeconomic households. With our ability to provide all levels of NEMT, and capability to launch new clients in as little as 2-4 weeks, Integrity Medical Transport is ready to help hospitals, clinics and community-based organizations solve their medical transportation challenges and get vulnerable and underserved populations surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area to the care that they deserve.

Many people may be unaware that there is a service that is just for those in need of medical transportation.  Instead, they may pick up the phone to call their friends and family, in which they will be in store for an uncomfortable drive to and from the hospital, physical therapy, or the doctor’s office.  There is, in fact, a way to ride more comfortably when you are traveling for medical reasons.  A medical transportation service in Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, helps many customers with medical needs get safely to their destination.  There are a few common reasons why people often need medical transportation to get around.

Doctor’s Appointments

One of the most common needs for medical transportation is for doctor’s appointments.  Many people request our services so they can travel in comfort from their home to their doctor’s office.  Most of the customers that use our services to visit their doctor are medically weak, elderly, or are going for an outpatient procedure that will compromise their ability to drive or travel in a typical vehicle.

Dialysis

Many of our customers require being taken to and from dialysis when they are suffering from kidney failure.  Dialysis treatment is required on a regular basis, and it takes about four hours per each session.  This often requires medical transportation, as patients can be travelling in a wheelchair or even by ambulance when they go to a dialysis center.

Going Home From Hospital

Many patients request medical transportation when they are going home from the hospital after a surgery or other medical procedure.  Often times, it can be difficult for the patient to move around, sit up, or even walk after surgery.  Once they are cleared to go home or to another facility, they are eager to leave the hospital.  These patients will typically call us to come pick them up and safely get them home.

Transfer to a New Medical Facility

When doctor’s determine that the course of treatment for a patient requires them to transfer to another medical facility, they typically call for medical transport.  This can involve moving a patient from one hospital to another, or even from a hospital to a rehabilitation facility.  Many patients are not physically capable of getting out of bed or out of a chair, so they require the additional assistance and resources that are found in our vehicles.

These are some common reasons why people find themselves in need of medical transportation services in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.  Instead of suffering through an uncomfortable car ride in a crammed car or taking public transportation to get around, you will want to look into medical transportation.  This will give you a comfortable and safe ride to where ever you need to go in order to get the treatment you deserve.  Contact us today to hear about our quality medical transportation services.

Ambulance Service Vs. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service

The main difference between ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation is urgency. When you dial 911 and call for emergency help, an ambulance comes and picks you up. Non-emergency medical transportation, as its name suggests, offers medical transportation in non-emergency situations. In most cases, this form of transportation is planned for and booked in advance. On the other hand, the need for an ambulance is almost always unplanned.

When you dial 911 for emergency services you could be picked up by an ambulance or a medical flight crew, depending on location and other circumstances. Whatever is necessary to save your life. The goal is for the emergency crew to reach you as fast as possible to limit the risk of further complication, injury, or death.

A non-emergency medical transportation service generally requires advanced reservations as they are not equipped to rush to the scene in a matter of minutes. For starters, they don’t have a siren that prompts other drivers on the road to pull over.

Additionally, an ambulance ride requires no pre-approval—you call 911 and an ambulance arrives. Non-emergency transportation generally requires pre-authorization of payment.

Signs You Require Emergency Ambulance Services

• You have an urgent and immediate need for medical attention that could be or is life-threatening. Some examples include a heart attack or stroke, injury following a car accident or a bad fall, or a life-threatening situation of any kind.

Signs You Require Non-Emergency Transportation

• You do not require emergency medical attention, aka your needs are not immediate. Examples include a scheduled medical appointment, dialysis, physical therapy, etc.

• There are no options for free transportation—family members cannot take you, free rides are not available at your time of need.

• You have physical limitations or impairments that require a specialized medical vehicle. For instance, you are bed-bound and require stretcher transportation, or are in a wheelchair.

• You need to travel long distances—ambulance rides are generally local, while non-emergency transportation offers local and long-distance transportation.

From bariatric patients to patients on dialysis, there are countless reasons people of all ages may require non-emergency transportation services.

What Does an Ambulance Ride Cost?

Generally speaking, the most Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance ride is at least $600—and usually more. The total cost is calculated by distance traveled and the equipment used to sustain life along the way. For more serious circumstances, Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance rides start at closer to $1,000 and go up from there depending on the distance traveled and equipment required. Insurance typically covers at least some of the expense of an ambulance ride.

Since Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are governed locally, the costs vary by location in the US. No two EMS systems are the same for this very reason. A rule of thumb is the bigger the city the more expensive the ride—with cities like Los Angeles and Miami running on average over $1,277, between 2017 and 2020 before insurance or discounts, a study found.

What Does Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Cost?

Non-emergency medical transportation is WAY more affordable.

Get a Quote for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Integrity Medical Transportation offers first-class non-emergency medical transportation services for the people of Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area. We offer both local and long-distance trips. All our drivers are certified in defensive driving and senior sensitivity. We have the experience and equipment to transport patients from all walks of life. From seniors to bariatric patients, our number one goal is to provide the safest, most comfortable, and affordable ride in town. Contact Us Toda, toll free (833) 219-6784 for a free quote.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) falls into somewhat of a gray area when it comes to Medicare insurance coverage, leaving Medicare beneficiaries unsure of what the program covers.

What qualifies as non-emergency medical transportation?

First, it’s important to cover the basics. For emergency transport in an ambulance, Medicare covers all costs, as long as the ambulance brings the patient to the nearest hospital. If the ambulance travels to a hospital farther away for a non-medical reason, such as patient preference, Medicare will only cover what it would have cost to travel to the nearest hospital. However, there are medical reasons for traveling farther, such as if the patient requires care from a specialist that’s not located at the nearest hospital. There is no limit on the amount of emergency trips that Medicare will cover.

Non-emergency medical transportation involves transportation in an ambulatory vehicle for non-emergency reasons. This includes transportation to and from medical appointments such as doctor visits or physical therapy, trips home from the emergency room, or transfer between hospitals, among other scenarios. While patients aren’t facing an emergency, they do require the level of care provided in an ambulatory vehicle. For example, perhaps the patient uses a wheelchair that must be secured properly. Or perhaps the patient requires medical supervision on their trip.

What does Medicare cover?

These scheduled, non-emergency trips all involve medical treatment in one form or another, whether that’s traveling to receive medical care, or traveling back after receiving medical care. For this reason, many Medicare beneficiaries assume that the costs will be covered by their Medicare insurance. However, that’s often not the case.

Medicare Part A:

Medicare Part A does not cover non-emergency medical transportation.

Medicare Part B:

By default, Medicare Part B does not cover non-emergency medical transportation. However, it is possible to secure coverage on a case-by-case basis. For this to happen, a patient’s doctor needs to first prescribe NEMT for medically necessary reasons. The doctor must write a letter explaining these reasons and submit that letter to insurance. For example, if a patient’s immune system is compromised, the patient’s doctor may determine that the use of public transportation would expose the patient to too many germs and could be life-threatening.

While a doctor’s written statement is necessary to secure Medicare coverage for non-emergency medical transportation, it does not guarantee Medicare coverage. The best option is for a patient to ask their medical provider to seek prior approval from Medicare Part B before scheduling NEMT. If coverage is approved, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for non-emergency ambulance services.

Medicare Part C:

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage plans, are Medicare-approved private insurance plans. These plans are required to provide the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Often times, they provide additional benefits as well. Patients can contact their Medicare Part C provider to check on whether coverage is provided for NEMT. If coverage is not provided already, it may be possible to change the plan to one that does provide NEMT coverage during the next enrollment period.

Potential Changes on the Horizon:

While Medicare non-emergency medical transportation coverage is limited, change may be on the horizon. Right now, Medicare is running a pilot program to provide coverage to patients who receive scheduled, non-emergency ambulance transportation for 3 or more round trips in a 10-day period, or at least once per week for 3 weeks or more. The program is underway now in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

For additional questions regarding non-emergency medical transportation insurance coverage, feel free to call Integrity Medical Transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. As an insurance provider for NEMT companies, we work hard to stay informed on the ins and outs of the NEMT industry. Contact us today for more information.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Trip Denial Process

It happens – sometimes Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) trip requests get denied. When this happens, Medicare health plans are required to issue a Notice of Denial of Medical Coverage (or Payment), also known as an Integrated Denial Notice (IDN).

When and Why Members are Denied

Denials happen for several reasons, all related to eligibility. Some services that are not covered and therefore lead to trip denials, include:

• Transportation to and from a hospital
• Unable to verify service
• Members who are not eligible for Medicaid
• No prior authorization
• Facility shopping trips

Regardless of the reason, denials must be tracked and communicated, specifically:

• The reason for the denial
• Members must be alerted of the denial both informally (by phone) and formally (by letter)
• Members are given the opportunity to appeal the denial decision
• NEMT Brokers must be prepared to defend potential appeals by members who are denied

Software Makes the Trip Denials Process Easier

Appropriate non-emergency medical transportation services are essential for tracking and reporting denials activity. As soon as a member requests a trip, the first function of the software is to verify that the individual is eligible for transportation. Here’s what happens:

• If rendered ineligible, the member’s trip request is denied
• If eligible, the system proceeds to the next step in the process – booking a trip
• When booking, a member must provide basic information including their pickup location (origin), where they are going (destination), what time to arrive, mobility devices, and trip purpose
• There are a few particulars that require validation, including an approved destination address and an acceptable trip purpose (i.e. a trip to the hairdresser is not considered acceptable). If these are not allowed per the member’s health plan requirements, then the trip request gets denied

Why Record Keeping Is Important

Being able to correctly document member denial reasons and refer to those decisions for reporting purposes is important. Additionally, if a member appeals the denial decision, a detailed record of the denial information (and justification) is stored by the NEMT software for easy reference. Finally, reporting of not just the number of denied trips but the reasons for those denials, is important to ensure denials are reasonably and equitably applied among members.

We often rely on our friends and/or families when it comes to our challenges in transportation. But there are times when there is no one who can help. To fill this gap, non-emergency medical transportation is the best option when your choices are limited. NEMT is not only for seniors and persons with disabilities but also for healthy individuals with temporary transportation needs due to an injury or surgery.

People with injuries sometimes have to wear a cast so it is a huge hassle and is very uncomfortable for them to ride public transport. They will encounter many challenges, especially if they travel alone. Most of the time, driving is not even an option.

Patients who underwent surgery will not be allowed to drive without the “go” signal from their doctor. This is not limited to surgeries in the hands and limbs. Your muscle strength declines after surgery so driving becomes unsafe. Some pain medications that you may have to take will make it illegal for you to drive. Public transport is also a bad option since you will be exposed to more people and pollution.

If you need medical transportation in Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, we are here to help!

Integrity Medical Transportation, LLC is one of the leading providers of non-emergency medical transportation in Texas. We make sure that we can serve everyone who needs our help, so our rates are affordable while continuously providing reliable and high-quality services.

To book your transportation to medical appointment services, give us a toll free call at (833) 219-6784.

When it comes to medical transportation, the process is quite intricate. And that’s because one has to take into account the medical situation of each client. Also, the safety of the clients is paramount especially if they’re in a delicate state of health.

But that shouldn’t trouble you. ‘Cause, in this article, we’ll look into qualities to look for in a medical transportation company. With this list, you can find a company that will transport you or your loved ones safely to various destinations. Let’s start:

•     Best Transfer Technique

All their vehicles come with state-of-the-art lifting and transfer equipment. As such, getting you on and out of their vehicles is a flawless process. But that’s not all; the personnel handling you are well trained to handle patients safely.  Some of the best lifting techniques to consider include:

o   Countdown before lifting and transferring’

o   The correct posture that includes tucked chin and straight back

o   Never handle a patient alone during lifting and transfer

o   Uniform and continuous motion during lifting

•     Must have an In-house maintenance team for their fleet

Besides providing well-trained personnel to handle you during transportation, the state of their fleet is also vital. A vehicle in great shape guarantees safe transportation regardless of distance. Since you can’t inspect their vehicle, a good indicator of a well-serviced fleet is the presence of an in-house maintenance team.

•     Staff-training program

Does the company have an ongoing staff-training program? This is an indication that you’ll get serviced by an experienced team. Also, it shows the commitment of the company towards providing the best-in-class transportation services.

•     Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking is a critical feature to consider in medical transportation companies. First, it allows you to plan your day by knowing when exactly your transport will arrive. Second, your loved ones can know how far you’re from your destination. And most importantly, a comprehensive tracking system holds the driver accountable. As a result, you’re bound to have a safe journey when traveling thanks to a GPS tracking system.

•     Dedicated Professionals

Transporting handicapped patients is not like any other job. It requires patience, care, and total commitment. And that’s a quality that a medical transportation company personnel must possess. Without such qualities, you can’t rest assured that you’ll appreciate how their staff will handle you during transportation.

Since every company will claim they have dedicated professionals, it’s important to check their reviews. Client reviews will indicate whether they’re dedicated professionals, who will serve you well. However, if you discover negative reviews about their services, consider other options.

•     Lift Training

If you’re in a medical state where you need a lift into the vehicles, then this quality is vital. Employees who have gone through proper lift training will have something to prove their capability. Remember, improper lifting can worsen your medical state or cause an injury. Besides having the lifting skills, can they handle a patient with an injury? Well, this is an indication of how careful they’ll be when handling you.

Final Take 

Still can’t decide which medical transportation company is best? We understand your situation. With so many transportation companies available, choosing the best among the rest can be challenging. For that reason, we recommend Integrity Medical transportation as one of the best options in this industry for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan area.

Everything about them is top quality from vehicles to services. Providing you with the best driver in the industry, reaching your destination safely is guaranteed. Besides, they also have some of the best equipment that allows them to handle various clients who need NEMT services.