In today’s healthcare landscape, value-based non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are integral to optimizing operations and enhancing the care provided in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).  

Many SNFs struggle with challenges such as missed appointments, which can lead to issues such as:  

• Deteriorating health outcomes

• Increase in hospital readmissions

• Resident & staff distress

Additionally, residents often face barriers to accessing necessary care due to mobility issues or logistical complications.  

At Ride YourWay, we understand that transportation needs go beyond just getting residents from one place to another; they are about ensuring timely access to care, improving patient satisfaction, and creating cost-efficient solutions that benefit both the facility and its residents.

Ambulatory, Wheelchair, and Stretcher Services: Tailored Care for Every Need

Understanding the different types of NEMT services is essential when selecting a transportation provider, as each type can significantly impact the care and comfort of your residents. NEMT providers offer services based on the mobility and needs of your patients, ensuring they are transported safely and with dignity.

For ambulatory residents who can walk with or without assistance, curb-to-curb service offers a basic level of care where the driver picks them up and drops them off at the curb. This is a cost-effective option for residents who need minimal support, but it may not be ideal for those with limited mobility or cognitive impairments, as they are responsible for getting to and from the vehicle on their own.  

Door-to-door service, often recommended for individuals who utilize wheelchairs, provides a higher level of care where the driver assists the resident from the door of the facility to the vehicle and from the vehicle to the door of their destination. This option ensures residents receive the guidance and support they need, making it a better fit for individuals with mobility challenges who require a bit more hands-on help.

For bedbound and medically stable residents with significant mobility limitations, our door-through-door stretcher alternative transportation services offer the highest level of care and support. This option ensures that residents are assisted from inside the facility, safely transported in the vehicle, and guided all the way to their destination. This service line is a more cost-effective, safer, and reliable option for residents who would typically require stretcher transportation via ambulance provider.    

Selecting the right level of service—whether curb-to-curb, door-to-door, or door-through-door—can have a direct impact on the care your patients receive. It ensures they are not only safely transported but also supported in a way that respects their individual needs and preserves their dignity, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the risk of injury or distress. But how can you be confident that your transportation provider is equipped to deliver the appropriate level of service? This is where the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC) comes into play, setting the gold standard for quality and safety in the industry.

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NEMTAC Accreditation: The Gold Standard for Quality and Safety

Selecting a transportation provider committed to the highest standards of care and safety is crucial. The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC) sets the industry’s benchmark for excellence in NEMT services. Providers that earn NEMTAC accreditation, like Ride YourWay, meet rigorous criteria in areas such as safety protocols, staff training, and customer service, ensuring your residents receive top-quality, dependable transportation.

Take a moment to ask yourself, “Does my current transportation provider meet the industry’s gold standard?”

Fun fact: Ride YourWay is proud to be Michigan’s only NEMT provider—and the 11th in the nation—to achieve the prestigious NEMTAC accreditation!

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Essential Qualities of a Value-Based Transportation Provider

Not all transportation providers are the same, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your facility’s values and needs. As you evaluate potential partners, focus on key factors like:

• Reliability  

• Transparent Pricing

• Strong reputation within the community

Look for a provider with a dedicated team that understands the unique challenges of medical transportation, particularly for seniors. A great provider can become a long-term partner that grows with your facility, helping to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Dress for success.” The same principle applies to transportation providers. Everything from the condition and cleanliness of their vehicles to the professionalism of their drivers and even the quality of their vehicle graphics sends a message. When considering a provider, ask to see one of their vehicles in person. Ask about their driver training process and whether they have a dedicated team member for customer support and success. Each of these details tells a story, and you want to choose the provider whose story reflects the best care for your residents.

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Strategic Partnerships: Growing Together

Partnering with a value-based NEMT provider like Ride YourWay does more than improve access to care for your residents—it also boosts your facility's operational efficiency. With a dedicated transportation partner managing the logistics of getting residents to medical appointments and outpatient services, your staff can stay focused on delivering quality care within your facility. Together, we can streamline processes, minimize delays, and enhance the overall resident experience.

When considering a transportation provider, evaluate their problem-solving abilities. Can they handle last-minute trips or help with same-day admissions from the local hospital? Will they go the extra mile to ensure that even your most challenging residents make it to critical appointments, like dialysis? Look for a provider that’s flexible and willing to grow with your facility, adapting to your community's unique needs. A strategic partnership should be symbiotic, removing barriers—not creating new ones—so that together, you can meet the growing demands of your residents and your facility. In addition to enhancing care and operational efficiency, value-based NEMT services also offer significant financial advantages.

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Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency

Relying on a value-based NEMT provider is more cost-effective than non-emergent ambulance companies or purchasing your own vehicle for the facility. By partnering with Ride YourWay, your facility can eliminate the high costs associated with ambulance services for non-emergent needs and avoid the upfront expenses and ongoing maintenance of owning and operating a vehicle. This allows you to invest more in resident care and facility improvements while ensuring reliable, high-quality transportation for your residents.  

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Elevate Your Transportation Strategy

By partnering with a value-based NEMT provider, your skilled nursing facility can elevate care standards, streamline operations, and build a strategic alliance that aligns with your mission of providing high-quality, resident-centered care. At Ride YourWay, we’re not just a transportation provider—we’re a partner dedicated to helping you improve the well-being of your residents while enhancing your facility’s efficiency. We’d love to be a soundboard for your current transportation strategy, analyzing where improvements can be made and how our value-based, data-driven approach to transportation can help you reach the next level. Let’s grow together and make a meaningful impact on your residents’ care with Ride YourWay.

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Tom Sikkema, BSN, RN
Founder & CEO of Ride YourWay