Most emergency medical service (EMS) providers deal not only with emergency medical cases, but they also use their experience and expertise in medical transportation dispatch to handle non-emergency medical situations. Ambulances, for example, are still used when a critical care or a patient requires inter-facility transfer (IFT).
At first glance, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services seems like it’s a lot less stressful than transporting patients in need of emergency care. It’s important to note, however, that while NEMT assignments may seem less urgent, these nonetheless require the same kind of care and consideration that EMS agencies are expected to put into practice when they’re handling emergency cases.
To provide the same standard of service to non-emergency patients, EMS agencies need to use an NEMT software that offers essential functions and customization options that their organization needs. EMS providers that are looking for the right NEMT management software for their organization should ideally choose options that include the following features:
Automated Real-Time Routing
While there’s less pressure to rush a patient to the nearest available facility during NEMT assignments, these assignments should still be fulfilled on schedule with minimum disruptions. Unfortunately, it can be quite a challenge to aim for more efficient operations if the NEMT provider is unable to keep tabs on all its vehicles and personnel during their working hours. At the same time, if a driver is unable to receive adequate support on the road, they may not be able to pick the most effective routes for their assignment.
This is why it’s important to go with an NEMT software that offers real-time routing features, such as the software product offered by Michigan-based developer Traumasoft. Should the team in the field need to change routes on-the-go, the software’s real-time routing feature will immediately calculate the next best plan of action so that the vehicle can reach its destination as soon as possible, using the least amount of resources. This feature reduces ‘no-ride’ miles and ensures that each team on the field will be able to accomplish as many of their tasks for the day as possible. Plus, it also enables team members to accurately predict how much time they need to get from one location to another.
Simple, Straightforward Interface
It is essential for personnel in the central office to use a simple and straightforward interface that allows them to take account of their operations in just a glance. An NEMT software should be customizable enough so that the only alerts and information that the users can readily see on the monitor are the ones that are relevant to their ongoing and upcoming cases. Too many unnecessary information will only clutter and confuse the users, which can sometimes be a recipe for disaster.
Comprehensive Reporting Capabilities
At the end of every day, EMS organizations should evaluate their operations so that they can determine which strategies work and which ones produce less-than-ideal results. However, it can be difficult to put together a report when everyone’s already exhausted by the end of their shift.
An NEMT solution with comprehensive reporting capabilities takes care of this issue by automatically providing the numbers and figures that the managers need in order to make smart business decisions. This is only possible if the solution is an all-in-one solution where all modules are fully integrated. A software with comprehensive reporting capabilities will make it easy for EMS agencies to see the bigger picture and plan their next course of action to keep their company growing.
Quick Overview of Ongoing Assignments
Many NEMT organizations have a hard time ensuring that assignments are being distributed evenly to their personnel. It’s not uncommon to hear one team working non-stop while another team spends a good amount of time waiting for assignments, all because they are unable to coordinate well with their central office. Equipping the head office with an NEMT software that shows ongoing assignments in real time can reduce these instances.
From an outsider’s point of view, handling NEMT assignments may not seem to be as demanding as transporting emergency patients, but the task is just as demanding when viewed from the perspective of an EMS provider and the staff who make up the organization. There’s still the pressing need to reduce cost, follow schedule, and ensure that the agency’s resources are utilized as efficiently as possible at all times. A robust yet customizable NEMT software may just be the tool that an EMS organization will need in order to meet its target goals and provide high-quality services. With the right software, the NEMT provider can reach its targets without increasing operational costs or compromising the services it provides.
Conclusion
Getting the right NEMT scheduling and management software may be the step in the right direction that an EMS provider needs in order to increase the efficiency of its operations. This guide should help EMS transportation providers set the standards they require for their next NEMT software and reduce the time and effort they put out to find the exact product that meets all their needs.