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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.

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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