Seven Keys to becoming an In-Demand NEMT Provider

Non-emergency medical transportation providers are liaisons between patients and healthcare providers. NEMT plays a critical role because they bridge those who need care and those who help patients get care. NEMT is the foundation and glue for the whole healthcare continuum.

So, how does someone become a NEMT Provider? There are seven key steps: Building relationships, examining core responsibilities, complying with local regulations, finding a high-functioning NEMT solution, data tracking, developing unique selling points, and marketing. Now let’s explore these in more detail in this article.

Building Relationships

When you’re first starting out, like most things in life, building relationships is the key. Without great relationships, you won’t be able to run a successful business. 

It’s important for you to contact local, state, and federal agencies and discuss the possibility of getting requests for NEMT orders directly from them. You can also reach out to local hospitals and private practice doctors. Starting a bit smaller can be quite advantageous. By contacting these agencies and doctors, you will be able to set a great foundation to help patients and get your business off the ground.

Next, talk with local NEMT providers about transporting patients. You’ll want to discuss the NEMT cloud dispatching software they are using to facilitate cooperation and management of the orders and the logistics of transporting patients. The idea here is to cover your bases and lay the groundwork for your operation.

Examine Core Responsibilities

As a provider, it is key that you examine core responsibilities. Communication with patients and drivers is at the core of what a provider does. With advanced NEMT software, providers can give patients accurate estimates on wait times, re-route drivers to more advantageous routes, and a host of other vital details.

Plan for Your Expenses and Your Future

Make a five-year plan with goals. Try to visualize your future and what you want it to look like. What will your partners expect in the next five years? Create targets as well as quarterly goals, so you can measure your success as you progress.

Another key here is to understand what costs you will incur and where they will come from. Budgeting is an integral part of every business endeavor. You should know your expenses upfront and allocate for them.

Comply with Regulations

The key to compliance is research and comprehension. Make sure you understand local laws. Read up on regulations so that you know what you need to keep yourself in good standing. Ensure that all your providers are licensed and above reproach.

As a service provider, you are the conduit between drivers, patients, hospitals, and all the other parties involved. That means you need to understand the potential legal ramifications of any action you take. For example, it’s your responsibility to verify patients’ eligibility and coverage.

At the end of the day, the more you know about local regulations, the better you will be at your job. 

Track and Utilize Data

Data and reports are your best friends. They will show you what is working and what needs improvement. Use data to glean insights about your business. This will help you improve and stay innovative.

As a NEMT broker, you are responsible for, among other things, tracking interactions and reporting data to the insurers with whom you have contracts. These contracted relationships are another layer of communication in your jurisdiction. Trip details, vendor data, plan rules, billing information, services provided, call center data, and post-service claims information are all examples of the data needed to create reports.

Furthermore, you need to run regular analyses and reviews, implement fraud protection, and track credentialing. You are the focal point of a fast-moving industry. You need to be nimble and cover all your bases.

Great tools will help you highly in this regard. You need to pick tools that conglomerate key data and help you see the big picture.

Choose Effective NEMT Software

Part of being an effective provider is working with an effective NEMT solution. The more precise and reliable your solution is, the better the outcomes for providers, patients, and drivers. 

Tobi is an exceptional option because it pairs innovative technology with a human touch. It’s intuitive, easy to set up, includes real-time GPS tracking, and more. 

NEMT software should be a part of your business because it enables you to grow while simultaneously offering high-quality service. If you’re looking at long-term investments, the expense of implementing an automated scheduling system with integrated client management will be negligible. No company thrives without tools to help it scale and be more efficient. 

The software offers advantages beyond added convenience. It can provide assurance and build your credibility. Your billing processes will be correct. Your reimbursements will come faster. You will build trust with your partners, and they will outsource more trips to you. Your complaints will decrease. Your incidence of no-shows and late cancellations will drop. 

Build and Market Your Brand

It’s vital to get your name into the minds of those that need your services. In the NEMT industry, word-of-mouth advertising is the ultimate form of marketing. 

You can start by researching your local senior centers, retirement and assisted living facilities, and health care providers. When they discover a NEMT broker that is dependable and efficient, they will want to work with you. 

Another great way to spread awareness and build relationships is by showing up at or joining community groups, senior activity centers, and health care provider groups. Ask questions about these resources and learn how to improve. If you want to be successful, you need to build trust and loyalty among the people your services impact.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you want NEMT software that will give you an edge over the competition. You should invest in software that will help you streamline your dispatch efforts. You need software that can help you to improve your service by analyzing the data and allowing for the most reliable service possible. The best software will let you manage your fleet, dispatch, and clients while providing you with the best reporting and analytics possible. Investing in the best NEMT software will improve your profits in the long run, even if you’re spending more initially.

Tobi does all of this and more. Check us out today and see if we could be a long-term solution for your needs.