Within the world of medical transportation, the urgency and nature of the situation determine the appropriate mode of transport. While calling 911 for ambulances is vital for life-threatening emergencies, there’s a significant need for an alternative solution when the situation is not a matter of life or death. For those not-so-urgent moments, this is where non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers come to the rescue.
You can think of it as not crying wolf , but calling Bambi instead — a gentle, suitable option for those non-critical needs. Because crying wolf actually presents a problem in the healthcare industry and puts actual lives in danger. In the context of medical transport, "crying wolf" can be equated to calling an ambulance for non-emergency situations.
What happens when you cry wolf There’s misallocation of resources can lead to several problems:
Straining emergency services : Ambulances are meant for critical situations where every second counts. When they are used for non-emergencies, it diverts these vital resources away from those in dire need.Increased healthcare costs : Ambulance rides are expensive. Using them unnecessarily drives up healthcare costs for individuals and the system as a whole.Misleading severity of need : Overstating the urgency of a situation by calling for an ambulance can lead to unnecessary panic and miscommunication among healthcare providers.This is why it's crucial for non-emergency patients to avoid calling 911 and instead utilize NEMT services. By doing so, they help ensure that emergency medical resources remain available for those who truly need them. NEMT provides a practical and cost-effective solution — in fact, Medicaid in most states covers this as services for its beneficiaries — for patients who need medical transportation without the urgency of an ambulance.Why call a dear NEMT provider instead As you all know by now, having kept up with our Bambi content, NEMT services cater to a wide range of needs, including:
Routine medical appointments : Regular check-ups, follow-up visits and other routine medical appointments usually do not require the speed and intensity of an ambulance ride.Physical therapy and rehabilitation : Patients undergoing therapy or rehabilitation may need assistance getting to their sessions, but their condition is stable enough to not necessitate an emergency vehicle.Dialysis and chemotherapy : These treatments can be physically taxing , but the need for emergency transportation is typically low.Discharge from hospitals : After being discharged, patients may need a ride home or to another care facility that doesn’t require an ambulance. They are being discharged for a reason, they’re in a good enough state to travel sans ambulance. Attending adult day care: Adults attending adult day care (ADC) are generally in good enough health to participate in a full day of activities and treatments in a community setting. They do not require rapid transport or the specialized equipment provided by an ambulance. Additionally, most NEMT vehicles are equipped with the necessary support for non-emergency medical situations.Opting for NEMT over an ambulance In non-emergency situations there are several benefits. Here are a few of those reasons:
Cost-effective: NEMT services are generally much more affordable (especially when insured and/or on Medicaid) than ambulance rides, making them a more economical choice for non-emergency medical transport.Resource optimization: Utilizing NEMT allows emergency services to remain available for true emergencies, ensuring those in critical need receive timely assistance.Patient comfort: NEMT providers often offer a more comfortable and less stressful experience for patients compared to the high-pressure environment of an ambulance.Specialized services: Many NEMT providers offer vehicles equipped for various needs, including wheelchair accessibility and medical support, tailored to the patient’s specific requirements.
Make the Right Call In the end, it’s all about making the right call. Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the appropriate use of medical transportation is crucial, and that's why we at Bambi are here to help. Here are some guidelines to help determine when to call NEMT instead of an ambulance:
Assess the urgency : Is the patient’s condition life-threatening or likely to become so en route? If not, NEMT is likely the better option.Consider the stability : Is the patient stable and able to wait a little longer for transportation? NEMT can provide timely, non-emergency transport (inclusive of plenty of medical equipment in tow) .Evaluate the needs : Does the patient require medical equipment or monitoring that only an ambulance can provide? If not, NEMT services often have the necessary accommodations.In the way that crying wolf can lead to unnecessary panic and resource strain, calling an ambulance for non-emergencies can have similar consequences. By understanding and utilizing NEMT services appropriately, we can ensure that medical resources are used efficiently and effectively — and save lives at the same time. This serves as a friendly reminder that the next time you’re faced with a non-emergency medical transport need, remember: don’t cry wolf, call Bambi instead.
Of course, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t use emergency vehicles. If you’re ever in doubt about your health or that of a loved one, always call 911. Taking ownership of your health and promptly addressing concerns is crucial, whether it's for yourself, a loved one or even a stranger in need — because that's the Bambi way, helping out forest friends near and dear to his deer heart, or making a new friend of all kinds.
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