Emergency Medical Transportation Service Vs. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service

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.

Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Covered by Medicare?

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

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.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for Post-Surgical and Injured Patients

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.

Qualities To Seek In a Stellar Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company

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.

The Transformational Need for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

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 84.8 million people are enrolled in Medicaid as of 2021. According to a new KFF Medicaid budget survey, states are anticipating growth of 4.5% in Medicaid membership in 2022, 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 Transportation is ready to help hospitals, clinics and community-based organizations solve their medical transportation challenges and get vulnerable and underserved populations to the care that they deserve.

The Main Risk Factors of Motion Sickness

At Integrity Medical Transportation, our mission is to help individuals requiring non-emergency medical transportation find a trusted and dependable means of mobility. With unparalleled services, you can trust you and your loved ones will get where you need to be on time and safely..

Through our reliable non-emergency medical transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, we ensure our patients get to their destination safely and on-time. Unfortunately, despite preparations and careful procedures, discomfort happens. This can be due to motion sickness.

Motion sickness can happen to anyone. However, when our vulnerable loved ones experience this, the situation can get a bit difficult for them. You are assured that we are able to provide the assistance you need throughout the journey. Our stretcher, wheelchair, and ambulatory transport allows seniors to remain in their stationary position while they are secured in the vehicle. Throughout the entire transportation process.

While some people are particularly sensitive to motion sickness, there exist some risk factors that further increase the chances of the person getting uncomfortable while traveling. Women, for example, are generally more susceptible compared to men. Children, especially those aged two to 12 years old, have higher risks than adults.

Certain hormones can influence motion sickness. For women, menstrual cycles, use of oral contraceptives, and pregnancy can trigger hormonal release that increases the probability of motion sickness. Patients suffering from balance disorders such as migraine or vestibular disease also have susceptibility for motion sickness.

Motion sickness can be uncomfortable for our loved ones. It is important to talk to them through this. We, Integrity Medical Transportation,  are all ready to make your non-emergency medical transport a positive experience.

Creating a Stress-Free Medical Transportation Experience

Using a non-emergency medical transportation service for the first time can feel a bit stressful. After all, anything new can cause a bit of anxiety. Integrity Medical Transportation is there for all your medical transportation needs. If you are looking for medical transportation services in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, there are things you can do to ease the stress of using these services.

Thoroughly Plan Ahead

When using wheelchair transportation services in and around the outskirts of Dallas, planning ahead can go a long way. Make sure your driver knows about all the stops you need to make during a trip before the actual trip takes place. You can make sure of this by explaining everything when you schedule the transportation appointment. No one likes making u-turns or missing a stop. Providing the driver with a detailed list of stops can ensure there is no backtracking during your trip which can be frustrating for everyone involved. Get everywhere you need to go without missing anything by giving Integrity Medical Transportation a call today.

Take Everything you Need for the Trip

Sometimes we just don’t know how long a trip will actually take because delays arise, especially if you live in a large city. No matter the length of time the trip will take, you need to be sure you have everything you need to cover the length of time you will be away. Items such as medications and medical supplies. However, you should only bring what you need to avoid having too much to carry or losing items along the way. Using disabled transportation services is an opportunity to get your independence back. Get where you need to go without a care with Integrity Medical Transportation.

Provide the Driver with a List of Emergency Contacts and Other Information

Although you may have provided all this information when you set up your medical transportation services in the Dallas area, you should still have an additional list of information readily available for your driver for an emergency. This includes a list of contacts, what hospital you would like to be transported too if necessary, a list of current medications and other crucial medical information. This information could be a lifesaver in the event of a major medical situation. When you need emergency care, you don’t want those caring for you to have to waste time searching for the information necessary for your treatment. Put those worries aside by not only giving the company this information but also to the driver and everyone involved with your transportation.

Integrity Medical Transportation can help with all your wheelchair transportation service in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area . Using these services doesn’t have to be a stressful experience and Integrity Medical Transportation can assist in eliminating that stress. Getting where you need to go should be worry free each time, no matter what your medical needs are, and no matter where you need to go. Give Integrity Medical Transportation a call today or send us an email to get started.

Have Yourself a (Socially Distanced) Christmas

Tips for Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

 

  1. Make your plans with the pandemic in mind

Though we all want to forget about everything going on in the world and have a normal Christmas, it’s important to make your holiday plans while considering the pandemic. If you’re deciding between a holiday with friends or a holiday with family, check COVID-19 rates in both areas. If you have immune compromised family members, it may be a good idea to stay home this Christmas unless you can commit to staying away from others for a few weeks before going to see them.

  1. Wear a mask and social distance

Masks and social distancing are two of the greatest tools we have for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. While you may feel safe at home with your friends who all work from home and are vaccinated, the holidays bring on a lot of unknown people. Making the decision to wear a mask ahead of time is a great way to protect yourself, and typically when you wear a mask it’s an easy indicator to others that you’d like to remain socially distanced as well.

  1. Get vaccinated

If you’re doing any international travel, this may not be an option for you as many places require vaccines. Even if you’re staying at home though, getting vaccinated is a great way to reduce the transmission. As some people report feeling flu-ish the day after their shot, getting it right before the holidays is a great excuse for a relaxing day at home!

  1. Consider alternatives to big group gatherings

While we all love big family get togethers, it may not be possible due to the pandemic. With big families comes little babies and older grandparents, both of which are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19. Consider alternatives to these group gatherings, like Zoom meetings, or breaking celebrations up into smaller celebrations.

  1. Don’t feel bad for saying no

It is difficult to say no to loved ones, especially when it comes to the holidays. When it comes to your health, you are the only one who has your best interest in mind, and you are the only one who can truly stand up for yourself. If you have to say no this year, say no! Make plans to visit your grandparents later on in the year, plan for dinner with your cousin in the spring, or come to your parents’ house with dessert another time. If you feel like no is the best answer, say no. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it!

Stay Safe this Holiday Season!

The holidays are a great time to spend with family, but they can also be a great time to pass around illnesses. Whatever you decide to do this year, be sure to keep the pandemic in mind and do everything possible to reduce the risk of transmission for you and your loved ones.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Immune-Boosting Foods that Fight Back this Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is in full swing which means lots of runny noses, germy surfaces, and infections going around. While the past two years have seen lower cold and flu numbers than before due to masks, this year numbers are expected to rise again as a result of mask requirements going away. We all know to wash our hands, get our vaccines, and wear masks when in highly populated areas to reduce the risk of getting sick. Did you know that there are many foods out there that can actually boost your immune system?  If you’re doing everything you can to prevent getting sick and you’re looking for something extra, immune boosting foods are the way to go this cold and flu season.

Disclaimer

While this article touches on foods that work to boost your immune system naturally to help fight off and prevent the cold and flu, it is important to note that they have not been proven to do anything in regard to COVID-19. To prevent COVID-19, the best course of action is to get vaccinated, wear your mask, disinfect, and wash your hands, social distance, and avoid highly populated areas.

It is also important to note that this article is not to be taken as medical advice. If you have any health issues or concerns, it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. These foods can be used in conjunction with regular healthcare to promote natural immunity but should not be used as an alternative to medicine.

 

Foods to Boost Your Immune System

Eating fresh foods are a great way to boost your immune system and keep it operating at peak performance through the cold months.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the top immune-boosting foods:

  • Water

Are you surprised to see water on this list? One of the best ways to boost your immune system and prevent illness is to stay hydrated. Your body is primarily made of water, and water work hard to carry immune system cells through the body. No matter what you eat, if you don’t drink enough water than your body won’t be able to carry the nutrients where they need to go.

  • Elderberry

Elderberry is one of the most notorious foods used for its immune-boosting properties. Elderberry syrup flies off the shelf this time of year. Elderberry is packed full of antioxidants which can help fight inflammation. There have even been studies conducted that prove that these berries can block flu viruses, though more research may need to be done to prove a solid hypothesis.

  • Citrus Fruits

Have you ever been told to drink a glass of orange juice when you’re not feeling well? It’s probably because of the Vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in high amounts in almost every citrus fruit. Vitamin C works hard to increase white blood cells in the body. These cells then work to fight off infections.

  • Red Bell Peppers

Did you know that red bell peppers actually have three times more Vitamin C in them than a Florida orange? In addition, they also contain beta carotene, which converts to Vitamin A and is an anti-inflammatory that helps your body’s natural antibodies respond to viruses and toxins.

  • Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the best vegetables that you can choose to eat. It is loaded with vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E. It also consists of plenty of antioxidants and fiber, making it a great choice to fend off and prevent illness.

  • Ginger

Ginger is notorious for helping with nausea, which is why so many people reach for a can of ginger ale when they’re feeling a stomach-ache. Did you know that it can also help with inflammation? Ginger is a great option if you’re dealing with stomach or throat issues, as it curbs nausea and decreases inflammation which results in less symptoms.

Eating Healthy Pays Off!

There are so many foods out there that work to boost your immune system and they’re all fresh foods. Eating healthy is one of the best things that you can do for yourself this cold and flu season because all of the fruits and vegetables out there work hard to help your body fight off infections. What you put in your body is so important, especially with all of the illnesses running rampant out there.

Eat smart, wash your hands, and mask up! Stay safe and healthy.