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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Hospitals

The Importance of Medical Logistics

Medical logistics are a part of everyday life in the world of medicine. Why are they important? What do they do? Why do they matter? Are they worth investing in? Let’s answer these questions and more as we dive into the importance of medical logistics.

Medical Logistics Explained

You can’t look into medical logistics without also understanding supply chain management. The reason for supply chain management is organizing and linking networks in order to get products where they need to be in the most efficient and time-friendly manner possible. This involves costs, patient and establishment needs, transportation networks, shipping speeds, quality protection, and more. Not to mention the added logistics and considerations when hazardous materials, temperature sensitivity, insurance, and short-life products are involved. Logistics steps into those various components and processes of supply chain management. When all operations are moving smoothly from one end of the supply chain to the other, logistics is doing its job, lives are being saved, and operations are running at the best level possible. Clearly, a lot goes into reaching this point of optimal logistics and transportation.

Importance of Logistics

The two most valuable and measured things in the world are time and money. Medical logistics are important because they expound upon both time (through efficiency in moving materials and patients) and money (less time and increased efficiency in transportation mean lower costs). Because of this reality, having intentional logistics use in place creates safe, efficient, reliable, and timely transportation of products and patients. Being late in delivery or transportation in the healthcare and medical world is simply not an option. Creating a logistics plan that works and is sustainable for your business is essential to have in place. This can save money. Time. Lives. 

Benefits of Investment

Investing in logistics partners is essential in today’s world of medicine and healthcare. The transparency and communication that logistics partners like Medi-Ops can offer do wonder for logistics and efficiency. Visibility through live-tracking technology, expansive networks, and multiple transportation options for every situation is positively essential for medical organizations. 

There is a lot to think about in terms of logistics. Investing in a logistics partner takes care of the hassle and stress that comes with making sure every aspect of supply chain management and patient care is included in solution development and considerations. Extra costs can be reduced when one logistics partner is helping coordinate everything and using the best networks and solutions possible for everyday logistics as well as specific situations that may arise. 

Medicine is unpredictable. There are always unexpected events and situations that pop up where new logistic solutions are needed. Utilizing logistics partners help to manage those situations, develop the best solutions in a timely manner, and create forward-thinking and innovative transportation and medical solutions. Logistics partners are also constantly reevaluating supply chain needs, patient transportation options, and new ideas on how to create alternative solutions in this industry. Using their expertise and knowledge can, again, save time, money, and lives.

Medi-Ops as Your Logistics Solution

Medi-Ops is an incredible option to meet your medical logistics and transportation needs. We serve you by removing hassle and stress alongside infusing medical transportation with visibility and logistic transparency. When needing medical transportation and solutions, our dispatch center connects you to a curated operator based on medical, geographic, and financial needs. Anyone using Medi-Ops is walked through all necessary processes and services and will meet a team that brings consistent, quality service every time. In addition to the 24/7 dispatch center and revolutionary software, clients are able to place orders, view tracking information, receive immediate quotes, and bill directly from Medi-Ops. 

Medi-Ops is different from other logistics partners in that decreased transportation costs are available due to the company-owned fleet of ground vehicles, emergency, lights and sirens medical transportation, an extensive network of transportation solutions, and an organization that serves clients at the highest level. We have all the resources necessary to create solutions from medical emergencies in rural communities to daily NEMT transportation.

Logistics in courier services include ground and air transportation options. Orders are climate-controlled and delivered time-sensitively through HIPPA-compliant and background-checked operators. Any type of medical courier transportation is covered through ground service (emergency and non-emergency) as well as air courier (next flight out, on board, fixed wing, and rotor aircraft) options. Medi-Ops doesn’t stop at courier services and offers extensive patient transportation services through ambulance, air medical, and NEMT transportation.

The technological innovation of Medi-Ops sets it apart from other logistics and transportation providers. Through the client portal and technological services, tracking and transparency in every transportation service are present and available for clients. An extensive network with partners in transportation services expands options for clients, offering optimal solutions for every transportation and logistic need.

Logistics Wrapped Up

Medi-Ops is a great solution to logistics and medical transportation needs. Every business, hospital, or medical center in this industry requires exceptional logistics plans and options in order to be successful and operate at the best level possible. Every client of Medi-Ops can rest assured that they are receiving the optimal solutions in both product and patient transportation logistics. The innovation and constant assessment required to create the best network of logistics in medicine and healthcare can be overwhelming. That’s why logistics partners are absolutely essential in cultivating sustainable and top-of-the-line medical services.

Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Hospitals, Wheelchair Transportation

NEMT & the Benefit of Designated Vehicles

Here at Medi-Ops, we work with facilities to increase productivity and effective transportation, while decreasing the stress and logistics that often come with it. Specifically with NEMT (non-emergent medical transportation), the immense need for capable vehicles and staff is on the rise.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

NEMT does it all. Wheelchairs. Stretchers. Ambulances. These services meet patients where they are at (through assessment of medical and financial needs) to give them the best care possible. An increase in elderly populations in the United States means an increase in the need for NEMT services. Due to this increase, service providers must be aware that NEMT options are important to constantly evaluate in order to be prepared for all types of transportation services. Even though this branch of medical transportation is non-emergent, issues of slow response times or late arrivals can not be tolerated. It is truly imperative for facilities to have these services available while always being safe and time efficient, in order to care for patients and their families. 

We offer multiple patient transportation services across the country. The use of personalized operations coordinators helps determine the correct service or operator according to the patient’s medical and financial needs. Obtaining a free quote or scheduling transportation today is always an option for you and your loved ones! Medi-Ops’ can serve both individuals and facilities in this capacity. 

Custom NEMT Plans

Nursing and medical facilities are able to provide that extra level of care when working with Medi-Ops. Custom plans are available and extraordinarily beneficial to these institutions. Here’s how it works…

  1. Medi-Ops meets with the facility to determine needs and wants in relation to  NEMT services
  2. If fit for our network: The facility will be set up with our network of operators and are given a login to track dispatches and vehicles being utilized through our specialized AI technology and algorithms. 
  3. If fit for a dedicated vehicle: We will work with the facility to obtain a vehicle (whether they have purchased a vehicle or we help them obtain one) that will stay at their operating facility for their use, 24/7! 

If the facility is eligible for a dedicated vehicle, they are able to save on operating costs by not having a need to pay a per-mile transportation fee. Since Medi-Ops serves as the logistics and operations behind the vehicle, the elements of stress that come with vehicle and logistics issues, as well as staffing and maintenance, are all taken care of. In addition, we provide vehicle wrapping and other branding opportunities for each facility. We have the option to subsidize the cost of the vehicle with any extra trips that we may have.

Benefits of Having a Dedicated Vehicle

There are several benefits that come with a facility choosing to have a dedicated vehicle. One of the more obvious is dedicated reliable transportation. A dedicated vehicle is just that – absolutely dedicated to the needs of the facility. This creates reliability and efficiency for the facility utilizing the vehicle. 

The day-to-day logistics and plans are all taken care of in order to conduct and carry out all transportation needs, ensuring every trip is completed with the highest levels of quality and care. 

Rarely do you meet anyone that enjoys dealing with vehicle maintenance. Thankfully, a dedicated vehicle means Medi-Ops uses our knowledge and expertise in transportation to bring the most hassle-free process of vehicle utilization and maintenance. This allows us to ensure that method of transportation is up to date with safety, legal, and maintenance standards.

It is absolutely essential to have drivers and staff that are reliable and consistent when dealing with NEMT and medical transportation in general. We are able to educate drivers and staff to have up-to-date training and imperative qualities to be the most successful in serving you, your patients, or your clients. We eliminate problems with staff through an infrastructure of insurance and extensive training.

The decreased cost is a benefit of dedicated vehicles that can’t go unsaid. With a high volume of clients, costs continue to decrease so a dedicated vehicle is just a financial benefit that can’t be passed on. 

While utilization of services such as Medi-Ops increases the safety and efficiency of all medical transportation, not all accidents can be diminished. In the unlikely case of an accident that involves a dedicated vehicle, the facility is adequately covered.

NEMT is an essential part of the medical field and a direct reflection of a facility. Thankfully, Medi-Ops is able to and happy to relieve this burden from any facility or home, providing exceptional service with efficient costs.

Medi-Ops Rotor Aircraft Operator
Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Flight Services

Rural Communities & Medical Logistics

One of the best things about Colorado is the mountains and remote locations that the state offers. Mountain communities are secluded and peaceful, making them the perfect places to reside or escape for a weekend. The thing about these rural communities is that access to them can be difficult. This not only impacts the traveler, but also the community’s needs for emergency transport. What does emergency transport look like for these communities? How do they operate and what are the solutions to get these rural hospitals what they need?

Rural hospitals are the backbones of the communities that surround them. With all of the wonderful things these hospitals do, transportation can be a struggle due to factors with location and accessibility. Even with hospitals that involve more difficult access, the need for blood product, specimens, and medical equipment doesn’t decrease! These hospitals still require the same urgent transportation of medical products that any other medical facility would. All those mountain towns mentioned above? Think about the factors that could go into shipments and transportation operations – weather, terrain, distance, urgency, and the list goes on. These are real challenges that communities face, and no one wants to deal with those maddening logistics!

These challenging factors create situations where driving and road transportation might not be the fastest, safest, or most efficient option for medical and urgent transportation. These communities are also decently far from blood banks, distribution centers, and important facilities such as these. One option that stands out as a solution is utilizing commercial aircraft, charter rotor aircraft, or fixed-wing aircraft. These transportation options help to meet the urgent needs of rural communities. 

Once a community decides to explore the option of aircraft transportation, ground transportation is still utilized in order to pick these shipments up from distribution centers or blood banks, bring the product to the airport, and then have another transport pick the product up when it lands and deliver it to the final destination. Managing insurance, TSA qualifications, contracts, and other logistics are important in this process as well to create the safest optimal environment for the product being transported. 

Transportation challenges. Aircraft options. Ground transport logistics. This is still quite a list of things to manage when requiring urgent transport. Thankfully, logistics partners such as Medi-Ops can step into the process and help to manage this transportation network in order to meet the needs of and best serve these communities. With Medi-Ops, these various logistics are all taken care of in creating and executing the optimal transportation plan. Through utilizing relationships with commercial aircraft, shipments can be added to these flights that have excess baggage space through Next Flight Out services. Medi-Ops also has partnerships with rotor aircraft and fixed-wing, creating accessibility to all. Instead of a rural hospital having to set up transportation to pick up a medical shipment, bring it to the airport, coordinate a separate transport to pick it up from the receiving airport, and bring it to the hospital, on top of managing their insurance, various qualifications from the TSA, contracts, and other legal and safety logistics, the rural hospital could just set the trip up with Medi-Ops, who will work alongside them to pick the best methods of transportation for the hospital and their product.

In 2020, Medi-Ops partnered with Heli-Ops to continue providing the best transportation possible. Rotor aircraft are essential in reaching remote areas quickly, as they can land almost anywhere and move at high speeds. These aircraft do have a shorter range than fixed-wing aircraft, making the relationships with both types essential when determining optimal transportation in any situation.

The utilization of these alternate services in transportation, for example, a mountain hospital that is out of blood product, can get the product there in two hours instead of the eight hours that it would take between driving through winter roads, terrain, and other barriers. Medi-Ops has established relationships with rotor aircraft carriers in addition to commercial airlines that create the ideal transportation situations for these rural communities.

Medical transportation, especially to and from rural hospitals and medical facilities, can entail an incredible number of hard-to-sort logistics. Involving logistics partners like Medi-Ops will help to create transportation networks that are of the highest safety, efficiency, and quality. Time is of the essence in transportation situations and Medi-Ops is able to eliminate unnecessary pains in the logistics process, so hospitals can focus on their operations without having to worry as much about transportation and whether or not they are going to have a product on time.

Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Hospitals

5 Advances in Medicine & Transportation Technology

Technological advances are commonplace in today’s world – something new is being discovered or developed every day, specifically within the world of medicine. In addition, there have been dreams of transportation innovation throughout history. Just take the Back To The Future movies with flying cars (predicted to be around in 2015…). The truth is, there aren’t publicly available flying cars yet (although they are in the works), but many interesting advancements within the transportation world create a promising future of continued advancement in this industry. Our ever-changing society brings discoveries in all aspects of every sector, including medical transportation. The medical field is one that is constantly shifting and evolving, with new innovative research and discoveries being made in relation to healthcare, transportation, and technology – here are 5 advances currently being seen within the medical and transportation fields.

  1. Healthcare Technology: The pandemic catalyzed a surge in technological healthcare advances. Telehealth visits became common and continue to advance. This additional service in healthcare creates a wider variety of accessibility and flexibility for patients. Remote patient monitoring is related to telehealth and also brings new technology to home care. In terms of healthcare, the future will most likely bring about different methods of secure data-sharing between providers. This hasn’t been achieved yet due to HIPPA compliance and personal data protection. However, the next decade will surely bring about new ways to securely and safely share data between providers in order for patients to avoid unnecessary medical costs, testing, and treatments. 
  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML methods are being explored in the healthcare world and will begin to construct utilization in preventative studies, predictive analytics, and early disease detection. Both AI and ML are providing greater insight into tracking technology and accuracy. The importance of tracking, specifically when transporting medical specimens and equipment, can’t go unnoticed. The continuation of technology in creating spot-on tracking systems is crucial in the medical and transportation fields.
  1. Autonomous Cars and Maglev Technology: While just emerging in the consumer market as seen in Teslas, autonomous cars already exist and continue to develop in both technology and reputation. The continued development of this technology could significantly increase productivity and safety in ground courier services for both emergency and non-emergency purposes. Patient transportation could play a role in this as well, however that won’t begin to take place until the technology is much farther along in its journey to standardized practices. 

The Hyperloop vision could redefine long-distance travel for public use and goods transportation. Think of the positive implications that could have on medical transportation! The speed with which medical couriers could transport equipment, specimens, products, and supplies could be cut in half with this kind of future technology. NEMT transportation could utilize this method of transport between cities as well. Of course, it will be a while before we see what that will look like for both public and private transportation, as the use of maglev train technology isn’t seen in the USA yet, but could be within the next decade.

  1. Aerial Technology: UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology continues to enhance transportation prospects as well. The future of aerial transportation in the medical field will be a game-changer in transporting life-saving medical supplies or specimens as safely and efficiently as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the capabilities of UAVs in contactless delivery and transport of medical supplies and equipment. UAVs have even been used to deliver vaccines and medications in places like Malawi, Scotland, and the Pacific Islands. There are infinite uses for UAV technology in medical care which will no doubt continue to be tested and integrated into the everyday logistics of the medical field.
  1. Medical Treatment Technology: Incredible and promising new medical technology continues to improve, saving countless lives and taking the industry to new heights. This includes virtual reality, precision medicine, and mental health technology. Trials and testing are constantly being done for new and emerging medical treatments. Technology plays a large role in experimentation and implementing new medical treatments. The advancement in this area creates new hopes and opportunities for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Looking towards the future at tech trends and developments is always eye-opening to the innovative world we live in. Constant improvement and new ideas, specifically within the medical and transportation fields, can be seen everywhere in universities, research facilities, healthcare establishments, and transportation services. New technological advances enhance services, products, and methods. The innovations mentioned will be interesting to keep an eye on as we look towards the future of medicine, transport, and how they intertwine.

Emergency and Trauma Center
Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Hospitals

Trauma Center Levels & Transport

Trauma Centers. Levels I through V. Transportation to and from. How does all of this connect? Well, buckle up because you are about to learn. The first trauma center was established in 1966 in San Fransisco, and trauma care and emergency medicine have only grown from there. Now, trauma care centers are categorized by the level of care they provide, the resources they have, and the annual intake of patients. While the services at each level of care vary a little from state to state, the basic principles of each level remain the same. So let’s get into it…

Level I

Generally, Level I Trauma Centers provide comprehensive tertiary care from prevention to rehabilitation for any injury. Despite being called “level one” this is the highest trauma center level. These centers include 24-hour coverage of multiple specialties. These facilities also generally…

  • Are teaching hospitals/campuses
  • Have a program of research
  • Leaders in trauma education and injury prevention
  • Are referral resources for surrounding communities and centers
  • Offer substance abuse screening, programs, and patient intervention
  • Meet minimum requirements for annual patient volume

As the highest level of emergency care, Level I Centers require immediate transportation for patients, supplies, and medical products. Patient transport is essential in emergency situations involving Level I care, whether that is ambulance transportation or air medical transportation. In addition to patient services, these facilities provide emergency surgery and trauma care, creating a high need for fast and efficient blood and organ transport via ground or air transportation. Time is of the essence in these situations, so the safe and immediate transport of organs, blood, or other medical specimens and product is vital.

Level II

Level II Centers will initiate care for patients with all injuries, working in collaboration with a Level I Center. These centers also have 24-hour care with all essential specialties and provide trauma prevention as well as…

  • Continuing education for staff
  • Meet minimum volume requirements (depending on local standards)
  • Refers tertiary care needs to Level I Center

In terms of transportation, the needs of Level II Centers are often similar to those of Level I, requiring immediate transportation of both patients and medical products.

Level III

On to Level III Centers! This level has the ability to care for the assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care, and stabilization of patients in emergency operations. These centers do not have the variety of specialists that Level I and II centers do. However, they still maintain…

  • 24-hour coverage from emergency medical physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists
  • Transfer agreements with level 1 or 2 trauma centers
  • Back up care for local hospitals
  • Continuing education for nursing, allied health personnel, and trauma team
  • Prevention and active outreach program for referring communities

Transportation to and from Level III centers is essential to pay attention to, in that this level still sees a lot of emergency operations. These centers often prepare patients to be transported to another facility, typically local. Therefore, these centers often utilize ambulance transportation from a Level III to a Level II or I Center.

Level IV

Almost there – Level IV. Initial evaluations, stabilization, and diagnostics are conducted in these centers before transferring patients to a higher level of care. Sometimes, more critical-care services and surgery are offered here in addition to…

  • Trauma-trained nurses available (physicians available upon arrival)
  • Transfer agreements with other higher-level trauma centers
  • Basic emergency department facilities
  • 24-hour laboratory coverage
  • Involvement in prevention and active outreach program efforts

Similar to Level III, Level IV Centers involve a lot of patient transfers to higher care facilities. 

Level V

Last but not least, Level V Trauma Centers are equipped as basic emergency department facilities for initial evaluation, stabilization, and diagnosis, preparing patients for a transfer to a higher level of care. These centers have…

  • Available trauma nurses and physicians
  • After-hours response protocol (not all Level V Centers are open 24 hours)
  • Transfer agreements with higher-level centers
  • Some, not all, have surgical and critical-care services

Patient transportation is essential in these centers, as most Level V Center visits result in transfer to a higher level of care if the patient requires it. Since these centers aren’t as emergent as the higher levels, NEMT transportation back to a personal residence prior to a Level V visit could be utilized.

Pediatric Trauma Centers

Honorable mention in Trauma Care Levels – Pediatric Trauma Centers. A Level I Trauma Center might be a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center; it depends on whether the location has the appropriate resources to treat pediatric patients properly. These centers hold all of the essential criteria of the center levels mentioned above, in addition to having…

  • Pediatric surgeon directing pediatric trauma services
  • Pediatric-credentialed trauma surgeons and pediatric specialists
  • Separate pediatric emergency room and ICU
  • Pediatric equipment for resuscitation in all care areas

Pediatric transportation requires slightly different processes than adult transport. Thankfully, many services, including Medi-Ops, have pediatric and NICU transportation services in addition to adult transportation services.

All in all, levels of trauma centers are vital to understanding medical emergencies as well as addressing what kinds of transportation might be required for patient and medical product needs in emergency situations. The levels in emergency medicine create specific environments for a patient to get optimal medical care. While emergency medicine continues to evolve and grow, the leaps made in trauma centers are huge in patient care.

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