The courier industry has many niches, including non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. However, the NEMT category is broad and has many of its own specific sub-categories. Whether you’re looking to start a new business, expand an existing one, or learn something new, this article will explore seven different types of NEMT services.
There are two main types of NEMT services: passenger transport and courier services. Passenger transport involves providing transportation services to those with specific needs, enabling them to access doctors’ appointments, ongoing procedures, or preventative care. Meanwhile, NEMT courier services specialize in picking up and delivering medical materials and equipment that may require special treatment, such as temperature control.
All types of NEMT require HIPAA compliance, and some may require specialized training.
Passenger Transport
First, let’s explore four different types of passenger transport.
Ambulatory Transport
Ambulatory patients require minimal assistance, and ambulatory transport is therefore the most common type of NEMT. These patients may be visually impaired, take a medication that prevents them from driving, or may not have access to their own vehicle. Some may use of canes, walkers, or other devices, but do not require specialized seating.
Wheelchair Transport
Patients who use wheelchairs require wheelchair-equipped vehicles with features such as a lowered floor, a ramp or lift, and wheelchair tie-downs. These specially equipped vans make healthcare accessible to everyone who needs it, but they can be a costly investment. Because of this, wheelchair transport can be a profitable branch of NEMT services as well.
Stretcher Transport
Patients who are unable to sit up must be transported in a stretcher-equipped vehicle with safe and secure restraints. This could include patients recovering from major surgery or with chronic conditions. Stretcher-equipped vehicles must have systems in place to properly secure stretches and safely load and unload passengers.
Other Patients
Other patients requiring transportation can include pediatric patients, dialysis patients, mental health patients, and oncology patients. Each group may have its own special needs or overlap with ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher transportation. For example, a car will need to be equipped with age-appropriate safety gear to transport children, or extra room for those traveling with medical equipment.
Courier Services
Next, let’s look at several types of medical courier services.
Blood and Organ Transport
Blood, platelets, and plasma are essential resources for both regular procedures and emergencies. They have limited shelf lives and therefore require careful and timely transportation. For example, specialized boxes with thermal insulation and frozen or chilled coolant packs maintain proper temperatures during transportation so blood products remain usable when they reach their destinations.
Some blood delivery services are non-profit. For example, the American Red Cross has its own team of volunteer couriers. Many private organizations also work with blood banks, hospitals, and donation centers nationally to transport these time-critical and life-saving blood products to the places they’re needed most.
Another type of NEMT is hotshot (or STAT) deliveries. These time-critical organ and tissue deliveries require temperature control and other technology to deliver safely and in time for urgent transplant cases.
Hazardous Materials
The transportation of hazardous materials is also sometimes called hazmat logistics. These services can include transporting medical specimens or medical waste. Each requires special containers and safety precautions.
Medical Equipment
Medical equipment deliveries are another form of NEMT. One example is oxygen tank delivery services. These services deliver oxygen tank refills and pick up empty containers, often to private homes, care facilities, and hospitals.
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