How NEMT Technology and Digital Transformation Are Reshaping the Industry

The term digital transformation can be confusing for some.  

It’s all about adding value to the customer’s interaction with a business. As a customer-centric industry, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) businesses can see the immense value in this viewpoint.  

The NEMT industry is experiencing a great deal of growth for a variety of reasons, including: 

• An aging population that wants to remain at home. 
• Medical conditions that prohibit driving. 
• The expense of keeping a vehicle when on a fixed budget. 

As the need for more digital and technology-based NEMT software continues to surge, many NEMT companies realize how important having the correct system is for their success. 

In this article, we’ll discuss digital transformation and how leveraging this concept can drive beneficial, technology-based NEMT technology solutions for your business and your clients. 

Digital Transformation  

In general, a digital transformation is when a company uses digital technology to change and modify the company thoroughly. This term encompasses the changes in how the company handles its business processes and how the customer interacts and experiences the company.  

Finally, it can have a lasting impact on the company’s culture. In some cases, this digital transformation turns into a complete reimagining of the business.  

Digital transformation can be an action that changes the entire company in some instances, or it may just streamline the way things were previously done. Again, it depends on the company.  

With a digital transformation, the process often goes beyond the individual roles inside the business but looks at how the company and customers engage each other. It’s a way to create a better environment for its clients as the business moves from analog paper to more digital solutions, such as software and intelligent applications.  

Any type of change can be tricky, and for some companies, it can be stressful for employees, especially when the differences are profound.  

How Can Digital Transformation Benefit the NEMT Industry? 

There’s no doubt that digital transformation can—and already has—positively changed the trajectory of the NEMT industry.  

In some cases, you may find that your business was constructed to build bridges with your clients from the very beginning, and you may not have to do much to implement a digital transformation strategy.  

Digital transformations allow your company to execute your ambitions and improve any gaps your patients may see in their transportation needs.  

Filling these gaps can help to boost your customer feedback, increase referrals, and often, can be good for morale while improving how your staff gets their job done.   

Significant Challenges During Transformation 

There are a few challenges that can arise during a digital transformation.  

One of the biggest can often be how your staff perceives these changes. Often, the best way to handle a stressful transition, especially if you are implementing many changes to improve your business, is to be upfront and honest about the changes.  

Letting your staff know how this is helping the company and how it can help them do their jobs easier upfront can help even the most resistant to change.  

Another potential challenge comes when something in the plan looks great on paper but may not work exactly as anticipated.  

That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the person creating the digital transformation gets feedback and input from all the different roles in the company. They may have a way of doing things for the patients that weren’t considered during the initial setup of the digital transformation.  

There may need to be tweaks involved in your overall plan as you put it into place.   

How To Build a Digital Transformation Strategy for in the NEMT Industry 

There is more to a digital transformation strategy for any business than just updating the software and applications used for the company.  

Instead, it’s about creating a change centered around the client and leveraging a change that will benefit them. In turn, starting a business with customer satisfaction as the cornerstone will help separate you from other NEMT companies in your area of service.  

The first step to creating a digital transformation strategy for your NEMT service is often to evaluate what you’re currently doing.  

The best way to handle this is to ask for feedback. Speak to all the different stakeholders of your business.  

For example, talk to your staff, your patients, and the companies you work with to see what you can learn about what is going right and what could be tweaked during the digital transformation.  

Some companies that can be excellent sources of information include your software provider, hospitals, and other care facilities that use you for transportation.  

Digital Transformation and Technology-Driven NEMT Solutions 

Now that we’ve addressed what a digital transformation is and how it can be implemented let’s shift our focus to how this digital transformation can be even more beneficial using technology-driven solutions.  

NEMT technology and software have created a new world of possibilities for companies. The benefits for providers and their clients have shifted the industry into a new, more efficient direction. 

Technology Evolution  

Some NEMT veterans remember how things were run before computers, smartphones, and many modern conveniences that we take for granted today.  

Technology has changed how most businesses operate, and NEMT businesses can take advantage of several benefits from NEMT software solutions available today that streamline how these businesses work.  

NEMT technology has evolved to allow you to analyze your business, ensure that fraud is not occurring with your passengers and drivers, and improve communication among all parties involved in every step of the process.  

NEMT Analytics 

Analytics has become a buzzword for many businesses, but that doesn’t mean it will fall out of style soon.  

NEMT analytics provided by a software solution can be a powerful tool for your NEMT business. The reports and analytics created by your software can help you identify areas where your company is doing well and where improvements need to be made. 

For example, using analytics for your NEMT business can help you reduce wasteful spending and activities and identify areas of employee abuse.  

Analytics can also help you pinpoint what services are more popular with your members, what areas you are busier in, and so on.  

The data provided by your real-time analytics can make a huge difference in strengthening your NEMT solution run.  

Fraud Prevention 

Regarding your NEMT business, there are several areas where fraud can occur. You can have drivers who are committing fraud when handling their duties.  

NEMT analytics can help you to find problem drivers and help you to address the issue straight on. For instance, you may have a driver that’s habitually late with pickups and drop-offs.  

The right NEMT software technology will help you to identify these issues. 
 
Another area where fraud is possible is when it comes to handling insurance payments for your clients who have rides that are covered by their insurance rather than self-pay.  

Insurance fraud can be a big problem for your business if there’s any potential evidence against your company. Using NEMT software can help you correctly identify which rides should be billed to an insurance company and give you peace of mind that all your i’s are dotted, and t’s are crossed.  

Utilizing the NEMT solutions means that your drivers will be tracked, and accurate mileage charges will be billed to the insurance.  

If your driver had to take a different route due to an accident, road closure, or other reasons, the software could help provide data showing this reason for the increased mileage to protect you and your company.  

Reducing Communication Gaps  

Seniors and individuals requiring non-emergency medical transportation are becoming tech-savvy. They want to make trip appointments easily using a mobile interface.  

NEMT software solutions make this a reality.  

However, you can still book appointments for seniors and individuals who don’t have a computer or smartphone while allowing those familiar with technology to have the option and freedom to handle it over a device they are comfortable using.  

Your communication gaps are also closed when it comes to your staff. Your dispatcher and drivers can closely communicate with each other thanks to NEMT software.  

Thanks to this software, there won’t be a missed pickup or other scheduling issues due to your staff not communicating well.  

Transforming into a Brighter Future 

Digital transformation is a powerful tool that NEMT companies can use to improve their services and customer satisfaction.  

By leveraging technology and intelligent applications, businesses can streamline their processes, fill transportation gaps, and create a better environment for their clients.  

While there may be challenges during the transition, such as staff perception and plan adjustments, the benefits are many and can positively change the outlook of the NEMT industry.  

With a customer-centric approach, companies can build a digital transformation strategy that benefits their business, staff, and clients.