Telemedicine’s 15 minutes of fame appear to be fizzling, a trend that could compound the already staggering financial losses — a whopping US$150 billion annually — for the healthcare industry due to patient no-shows. One of the most common reasons given for no-shows, particularly among seniors, is lack of transportation. Chris Ochs is the chief development officer at Kerico, a company that provides non-emergency medical transportation services (NEMT), discusses the importance of integrating NEMT services in response to the fall of telemedicine.
Kerico, a leading non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) company, has issued a warning about the looming healthcare crisis as telemedicine usage rapidly declines and the demand for transportation to medical appointments surges. This alarming trend threatens to exacerbate the already staggering US$150 billion annual losses faced by the healthcare industry due to patient no-shows.
As patients increasingly return to in-person medical visits, the healthcare system is grappling with a new set of challenges. The once-popular telemedicine services, which provided a convenient alternative during the height of the pandemic, are now experiencing a sharp decline in usage. So much so, that Walmart and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum recently shuttered their telehealth services. Simultaneously, the demand for reliable transportation to medical appointments is skyrocketing, particularly among senior citizens who cite transportation issues as the primary reason for missing appointments 65% of the time.
“The confluence of declining telemedicine usage and increasing transportation needs is a recipe for a healthcare disaster,” warned Chris Ochs, Chief Development Officer at Kerico. “Without immediate action to address this issue, we risk further disrupting the continuity of care, leading to poorer health outcomes and even higher costs for individuals and third-party payers.”
Studies have shown that transportation barriers are directly linked to reduced use of regular outpatient care, increased emergency department visits and higher readmission rates. These factors not only contribute to elevated healthcare costs but also strain clinic revenue, staff productivity, and create scheduling and operational stress.
Kerico urges healthcare providers, policymakers and community leaders to prioritize investments in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) as a cost-effective solution to mitigate the impending crisis. By providing reliable transportation, communities can significantly improve healthcare accessibility and reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system. Research indicates that for every dollar spent on NEMT, US$11 is saved in long-term care.
“As a nation, we must act swiftly to address this impending healthcare crisis,” added Ochs. “Investing in reliable non-emergency medical transportation is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical step in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, improving patient outcomes and reducing the financial strain on our healthcare system. By prioritising NEMT, we can build a more resilient and patient-centric healthcare infrastructure that serves the needs of every individual in our communities.”
In conclusion, the concerns raised by Kerico underscore the evolving landscape of outpatient care, where balancing technological advancements like telemedicine with traditional needs such as reliable transportation is critical. As telemedicine faces a decline post-pandemic, there’s a clear need for healthcare systems to adapt swiftly. Investing in robust non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) infrastructure emerges as a pivotal solution. By prioritising NEMT, healthcare providers can mitigate patient no-shows, reduce emergency department visits and enhance overall patient outcomes.
Looking ahead, healthcare stakeholders should explore alternative routes to strengthen outpatient care delivery. Embracing mobile health units equipped for telemedicine consultations could bridge the gap between virtual and in-person care, particularly in underserved areas. Implementing community-based care models that integrate telehealth options alongside accessible transportation services can further enhance healthcare accessibility and patient satisfaction. Moreover, fostering partnerships with ride-sharing services or local transportation authorities could provide innovative solutions to meet diverse patient needs effectively.
By adopting these strategies, healthcare providers can build a resilient outpatient care framework that not only addresses current challenges but also prepares for future healthcare demands with flexibility and efficiency.