When facing a need for medical transportation, patients have a wide variety of options. But what’s the difference between an air ambulance and NEMT?
Air Ambulance Difference
These different modes of medical transportation differ for many reasons. Some are focused on emergency transport, while others focus on non-emergency transport. Patients may also pick various modes of transportation depending on their medical condition and the distance they need to travel.
The good news is that there has never been better options for medical transportation. This includes those who need air service to travel a long distance.
Both air ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) deal with medical transport via flying. While both have some similarities, they are very different services.
Air Ambulance
Air ambulances typically come into use in emergency situations. In some cases, helicopters are used. The destination is usually a trauma center or intensive care unit.
The situations most people are familiar with for air ambulance use involve accidents on the road or natural disasters. Helicopters fly to the scene and quickly transport those that need immediate medical attention.
In the case of longer distances needing to be traveled, a plane can come into use. No matter what type of aircraft is employed, they come equipped with medical equipment to handle any emergencies that come up during the flight.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport
NEMT, such as that offered by Flying Angels, is also medical transportation, but under completely different circumstances.
With NEMT, a service is hired to coordinate transportation of a patient needing medical treatment at a facility they cannot reach on their own. In some cases, this will require ground transportation. In others, commercial airline flights will need to be used. In some cases, both are needed.
NEMT uses both domestic and international airlines to book travel. In the case of Flying Angels, a flight coordinator is assigned to each patient. They handle all aspects of the travel plans, booking flights and arranging any ground transportation that is needed.
A flight nurse also is assigned to each patient. They travel with the patient throughout the entire trip. They carry any medical devices or pharmaceuticals a patient might need. They also have training in handling medical emergencies.
NEMT vs Air Ambulance
NEMT has grown as the need has grown for medical transportation that doesn’t involve the use of an air ambulance. Using NEMT offers patients and their families a much more affordable option for medical transportation.
There are many different situations that require the use of NEMT. But services such as Flying Angels have made making the arrangements for medical transportation that much easier.
International Society of Travel Medicine ProfileJanuary 1, 2018 After over 25 years as a Critical Care Nurse, 12 years as a Flight Nurse, I manage a team of Nurses and Doctors to be the Premier non-emergency medical transport company. View...
Life eventually throws everyone a curveball. Medical conditions and accidents, by their very nature, often happen when you least expect them. That’s why Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) has become so important over the years. Where once people felt trapped without any way of handling transportation needs, they now have support from businesses such as Flying Angels.
How Can NEMT Help Me?
There are many ways that NEMT can help a person. The following represent some of those ways.
Moving Parents
This has become one of the biggest areas of concern as the population in the United States ages. As parents get older, issues surrounding their care can change. If they have challenges with dementia, it’s often important for family members to move them closer. That requires complex travel arrangements that are often best handled by professionals. A professional NEMT company also can provide a Flight Nurse to travel with the parent, ensuring they are safe during the flight and have any medications they need.
Health Services
A big fear for many is that they will develop a medical condition that requires treatment far from where they live. This could include issues such as treatment at the best cancer facilities. Traveling to and from those destinations is simply not possible for many without a NEMT service provider. They can serve all their needs in both arranging flights and traveling with the patient.
Children with chronic medical conditions or injuries often need to be transported long distances for treatment or rehabilitation services. Transportation can be arranged literally from the home where the child lives to the medical facility and back again.
Again, a Flight Nurse can handle any medical emergency that may arise. They also work with airline personnel to ensure the child gets a comfortable seat (typically first class or business class) and carry any medication the child might need. They also manage any special needs of the child, such as moving them if they are otherwise immobile.
Sometimes, people have medical incidents while away on a trip. Once they are treated, the issue then becomes getting them safely back home or to a medical facility back in the United States. A service such as Flying Angels has years of experience in doing just this kind of thing. While in all cases providing medical care is the priority, a Flight Nurse also proves invaluable with flight arrangements. Problems often arise with flight schedules, particularly with international travel. A professional used to dealing with these issues is a huge benefit.
These represent some of the ways that NEMT can support those who face tough situations caused by medical conditions or injuries. If such a situation arises for you, don’t hesitate to look into your options using a service such as Flying Angels.
Benefits of non-Emergency Travel CompanionsApril 12, 2024 Bob Bacheler is the owner and managing director of Flying Angels, Inc. based out of Philadelphia, PA where he manages a team of medical escorts comprised of highly skilled nurses and doctors. In addition to...
In modern healthcare, the focus is increasingly shifting towards holistic patient care that extends beyond hospital walls. One critical aspect is hospital discharge planning. This phase is pivotal in ensuring patients transition smoothly back to their homes or care facilities, minimizing the risk of readmissions and improving overall health outcomes.
One vital player in this process is non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers. Collaborating with NEMT services significantly enhances post-discharge outcomes, ensuring patients receive the care and support they need beyond hospitalization.
The Importance of Post-Discharge Care
Patients who have undergone medical procedures or are recovering from illnesses may not be fit to drive themselves home. Experienced NEMT providers offer hospital discharge planning services that involve trained professionals, including experienced nurses, who are familiar with handling patients requiring special assistance or medical monitoring during transportation, ensuring their safety throughout the journey.
It’s an important issue because patients often face various challenges upon discharge, including transportation barriers. These challenges can lead to medication non-adherence and ultimately, hospital readmissions. Nearly 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, costing billions annually, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Effective post-discharge care is essential not only for improving patient well-being but also for reducing healthcare costs and alleviating the burden on healthcare systems.
The Role of NEMT Providers in Hospital Discharging Plan
NEMT providers play a crucial role in addressing transportation barriers, and ensuring patients return home safely and have access to essential healthcare services post-discharge. These providers offer specialized transportation services for individuals who are unable to use conventional means of transportation due to medical conditions or disabilities.
By collaborating with hospitals and healthcare facilities, NEMT providers can bridge the gap between healthcare services and patients’ homes. For example, Flying Angels coordinates hospital discharge transportation for transferring patients from their homes or to another care facility.
In situations where flying is involved, hiring a non-emergency medical transport service is often the right move. They provide a service that includes making all travel arrangements, including ground transportation, navigating the airport, and flight reservations.
The Benefits of Including NEMT in a Hospital Discharge Plan
Building a strong relationship with NEMT providers can yield significant benefits for both patients and healthcare institutions. Reliable transportation ensures patients travel safely, and in a much less-stressful way, back home. Timely pick-up and drop-off, coupled with a comfortable ride experience, contribute to a positive patient experience.
Improved adherence to treatment plans and follow-up appointments can also lead to lower overall healthcare costs. Effective communication in healthcare also ensures smoother transitions between healthcare settings and improves care continuity.
Including NEMT in a hospital discharge plan also provides clear communication and standardized processes that minimize scheduling errors and delays.
The Future of Hospital Discharge Planning
An increasing number of healthcare providers are including NEMT services as part of their hospital discharge plan. Some are exploring strategic partnerships with NEMT companies to provide patient transportation home from the hospital, including addressing the needs of specific patient populations with complex needs.
Collaboration between healthcare providers and NEMT services is essential to ensure seamless transitions and improve post-discharge outcomes. By prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging the expertise of NEMT providers, healthcare organizations can enhance the quality of care delivery and ultimately improve the health and well-being of their patients.
