Vital NEMT Statistics Every Provider Needs to Know

Every year, millions of patients miss their healthcare appointments due to transportation issues.

The growing demand for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services shows how critical they are in bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility.

Suppose you need regular, reliable transportation to your dialysis sessions. In challenging times, NEMT stands ready to help. These services are crucial for patients who lack reliable transportation due to age, disability, financial constraints, or difficulty accessing transportation. 

Over the years, NEMT has gained precedence in the healthcare industry. It has improved access to essential healthcare services, reduced missed appointments, led to better health outcomes, increased cost efficiency, and bridged the gap in healthcare access for underserved populations. 

Key metrics and statistics of this sector help people understand the need for trustworthy transportation services. 

For seasoned professionals, understanding statistics leads to better performance tracking and identifying areas for improvement, policy development for scaling services, and the demonstration of evidence to build credibility.

For newcomers, NEMT statistics highlight insights into market trends, drive planning, and promote skill development. 

This article will examine the key statistics that play a significant role in the NEMT industry. 

Industry Size and Growth

Did you know that the NEMT market is expected to grow from $8.6 billion in 2021 to $15.5 billion by 2028? This estimation showcases a nearly 80% growth jump.

According to the Insight Partners report, the NEMT industry is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from 2022 to 2028. 

The area population size, public transport accessibility, chronic disease prevalence, and number of healthcare providers influence the number of NEMT trips. On average, NEMT services are used for an estimated 200 million trips annually in the U.S.

Several factors propel the NEMT market size in the U.S., such as:

• An aging population
• The prevalence of chronic diseases
• Medicaid expansion
• Increases in health expenditure
  
  

Client Demographics in the NEMT Industry

The client demographics of NEMT are not linear. 

A large portion of NEMT users include aging patients, individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, low-income patients who rely on Medicaid and other programs, and people with chronic diseases.

The essential services that come under the user demographics are:

• Routine check-ups and appointments
• Regular therapy appointments
• Post-surgical follow-ups
• Specialized treatments
  
  

Some of the most common destinations of NEMT trips are dialysis centers, physical therapy clinics, hospitals for outpatient services and routine check-ups, specialty treatment centers, behavioral health facilities, and community health centers.

The transportation services cater to diverse client needs, ensuring accessibility to critical healthcare destinations.

Operational Insights of NEMT

The average trip cost for non-emergency transportation varies between vehicles and depends on several factors, including the distance and service level.

It can also differ from state to state. 

The operational insights in NEMT highlight factors such as the types of vehicles in a fleet and their uses, the cost per vehicle, and the impact of missed or canceled appointments.

Types of Vehicles

The most common types of vehicles in the NEMT sector are:

Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

WAVs are used by individuals with mobility impairments, are equipped with ramps, lifts, and securement systems, and are essential for transporting seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Sedans

These vehicles are ideal for ambulatory patients who do not require specialized equipment. Sedans have comfortable seating and are standard modes of transport for low-income individuals or patients attending routine medical appointments. 

Vans

Vans are ideal for transporting multiple passengers, may include wheelchair accessibility, and are often used by service providers handling high patient volumes.

Stretcher Vehicles

This transport is equipped with stretchers for non-emergency patients who require staying reclined (e.g., post-surgery patients).

Shuttle Buses

Shuttle buses are used for bulk transportation services, accommodating large groups. They are common for senior living communities and group therapy visits.

Cost Per Trip in NEMT

The following is a comprehensive breakdown of cost per trip depending on the type of vehicle and other factors:

Ambulatory services:

• $25-$30 on weekdays
• $30 – $40 on weekends
• $35 – $45 on holidays
  
  

Wheelchair transportation:

• $45 – $50 on weekday
• $75 – $90 on weekends
• $85 – $100 on holidays
  
  

Stretcher transportation:

• $100 – $200 on weekdays
• $125 – $225 on weekends
• $150 – $250 on holidays
  
  

Additional mileage rates:

• $3 – $5/mile on weekdays
• $5 – $7/mile on weekends
• $5 – $10/mile during holidays
  
  

Wait-time costs:

• $15 – $30 on weekdays
• $15 – $30 on weekends
• $15 – $30 during holidays
  
  

Additional Attendant costs:

• $5 – $10 throughout the year
  
  

Impact of Missed or Canceled Appointments

Understanding the different types of vehicles in NEMT and their cost per trip also compels us to know their trip completion statistics. 

According to a recent study, nearly 46% of scheduled appointments were canceled by patients. The reasons ranged from personal issues to patients’ lack of understanding of treatment from their healthcare provider. 

Some studies have also reported that the industry’s annual no-show rate ranges between 10% and 30%, or even higher in some cases. 

Challenges in the Industry

Did you know that missed medical appointments cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately $150 billion annually? 

The rate of missed medical appointments ranges from 5% to 30%, representing about $200 in lost revenue for providers. Transportation barriers are a significant contributor, affecting millions of patients annually. 

Driver shortages and fleet capacity to meet demand are additional challenges in the NEMT industry. Shortages can lead to delays or canceled rides, undermining service reliability and patient trust.

Opportunities in NEMT

All of these NEMT statistics indicate there are numerous opportunities to grow and improve around the industry.

NEMT fleet owners can adopt some necessary modifications that scale the business to new heights. 

Providers can secure their future by adopting technology, integrating with healthcare systems, and expanding partnerships with healthcare providers and policymakers. 

Technological integration of NEMT software like Tobi reduces fleet owners’ burdens by optimizing routes, tracking in real-time, providing on-time updates, streamlining coordination with healthcare systems, and ensuring timely transportation. 

By capitalizing on technology and policy opportunities, NEMT players can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

Future Trends

Emerging technologies, opportunities for innovation, and regulatory changes will shape the future of NEMT. 

Artificial intelligence and telematics are increasingly used to optimize route planning, monitor driver behavior, and predict vehicle maintenance needs. Similarly, hybrid and electric vehicles will also gain precedence over the years. 

While full deployment of self-driving technology may take years, its integration with telematics for real-time hazard detection and route optimization will revolutionize transportation.

Evolving regulations will enhance compliance, safety, and accessibility in NEMT services. Stricter data privacy requirements and increasing reporting standards will encourage the adoption of integrated software solutions like Tobi. 

Tobi employs AI-based integrations and predictive analytics to manage demand and capacity and is aligned with the vision of the future. 

NEMT Today and Tomorrow

The future of NEMT relies on its present day. 

Understanding critical NEMT statistics has become essential to shape the industry. 

Market dynamics highlight the rise in demand, operational challenges showcase the need for enhanced optimization, and technological opportunities present a new tomorrow. 

Are you prepared to adopt sustainability in your business? Do you have what it takes to align your business model with the industry’s demanding changes? Does your business leverage technology to optimize operations and improve service quality?

If you answered “no,” consider integrating Tobi today.

Tobi’s NEMT software aligns with tomorrow’s vision. It will help your business stay in step with the world’s changes and take it to the next level. 

Staying ahead as the NEMT industry evolves requires innovation, adaptability, and the right tools. Request a Tobi demo today and lead your business into the future of NEMT services.