What is NEMT?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a service designed to provide safe and reliable transport for individuals who need to travel to and from medical appointments, therapies, and other healthcare-related services, but who do not require emergency medical assistance or ambulance services.

Key Features of NEMT:

• Non-Emergency Focus: NEMT is specifically for situations where medical transportation is required, but there's no immediate medical emergency. Individuals are generally stable and do not require continuous medical monitoring during transport.

• Purpose-Built Transportation: NEMT providers use vehicles specially equipped to accommodate individuals with various mobility limitations, such as wheelchair users, those who need walkers or canes, and those with other physical needs.

• Professional and Trained Drivers: Drivers are trained to assist passengers safely in and out of the vehicle, to understand mobility needs, and to adhere to safety protocols. They are not medical personnel, but they are trained in first aid and CPR.

• Scheduled Service: NEMT is typically a scheduled service, requiring individuals to arrange transportation in advance of their appointments.

• Accessibility: NEMT aims to ensure healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of their mobility limitations or lack of personal transportation.

• Varied Transportation Modes: NEMT providers may use a variety of vehicles, including cars, vans, and minivans, some of which are wheelchair accessible.

Who Uses NEMT?

NEMT services are typically used by individuals who:

• Have mobility limitations: This includes wheelchair users, those who use walkers or canes, and individuals with other disabilities that make traditional transportation difficult or impossible.

• Lack access to personal transportation: This could include people who don't own a car, don't drive, or have limited access to public transport.

• Have difficulty using public transport: Some individuals may have cognitive or physical limitations that make navigating public transport challenging.

• Require assistance to and from appointments: This may include people who need help getting in and out of a vehicle, or those who require extra care during transport.

• Need transportation for routine or specialized medical appointments: This could include check-ups, therapies, dialysis, and other healthcare services.