Reporting No-Show Passengers in NEMT

No-show passengers are a common occurrence in the transport industry as a whole, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). While there are many reasons a passenger may not show up for their scheduled ride, it is crucial to track and report no-shows in your NEMT software application to maintain efficiency in your overall operations.

There are several ways to report no-show passengers in most NEMT software applications. The following article explores how to report these occurrences in a top-notch app like RouteGenie. It also provides a better understanding of how no-show passengers can impact your business. 

The Impact of No-Show Rates

If you work in the transport industry, you likely already know that one of the most important things to track is no-show rates. A no-show is when a passenger does not cancel their trip in advance and does not show up for their scheduled ride. 

The passenger may have changed their plans or simply forgot their appointment. No matter the reason for the no-show, tracking such situations through your software application is essential so you can get a clear picture of your business’s performance.

No-show rates are a big deal in the NEMT industry. Why? Because they directly impact the bottom line. While a certain percentage of no-shows is to be expected, it’s vital to keep no-show rates as low as possible. This is because every no-show represents a missed opportunity to generate revenue.

When passengers don’t show up for their scheduled ride, their driver is left waiting for extended periods. Small scheduling gaps can add up to a lot of wasted time, which can eat into overall operating costs. The total lost revenue from multiple no-show clients can devastate a small transport business.

How to Reduce No-Show Rates

How to reduce no-show rates

There are a few ways to reduce no-show rates, and it’s important to implement as many of them as possible. Some of the most effective strategies include: 

Maintain Multiple Lines of Communication

Often, no-shows occur because the passengers simply forget about their appointments. With how busy life can get, sending reminders about client bookings is an easy and effective way to reduce no-shows. 

By reaching out to clients through multiple communication channels, they are more likely to remember their appointment and show up. This is especially effective for appointments that are scheduled far in advance.

Here are a few tips for creating multiple communication channels:

Use a Mix of Channels

Clients are more likely to remember appointments if they are reminded of them on multiple channels. A mix of push notifications, text messages, emails, and phone calls should do the trick.

Personalize Messages

Take the time to personalize each message you send. This will help the client feel more connected to their appointment, making them less likely to forget it.

Send Timely Reminders

Send reminders a few days before the appointment, on the day, and when the driver is on their way to the designated pickup location. Space out these reminders and notifications, so clients have time to plan their day, but not too often that they will be annoyed. 

Require Deposits for Trips

Requiring deposits for all scheduled trips is another effective way to reduce your no-show rate. When they have already spent money on the trip, customers are more likely to show up to the appointment and complete the transaction. This policy encourages mindful bookings—clients must be committed to their trip before they arrange the details.

It also has the added benefit of generating income for the business, especially for those operating on a per-trip basis. Overall, requiring deposits is a win-win solution for both businesses and customers.

Use Technology

RouteGenie NEMT software has No-ShowGenie that will help your business address these issues. The software can help identify trips that can be potentially a no-show. Moreover, it has integrated communication tools to prevent these occurrences.

Whether a vehicle breakdown or a last-minute change, apps like RouteGenie maximize efficiency in day-to-day operations. The automated notification system has helped providers reduce 25% to 30% of no-shows.

How Technology Can Reduce No-Show Rates

How Technology Can Reduce No-show Rates

Many factors can contribute to no-shows. But one thing is clear: NEMT software can help manage and minimize them. With the help of automated calling systems and push notifications, the system analyzes the possibility of no show. You can track where and when no-shows occur and use that information to make changes to your scheduling or dispatch processes. You can also use NEMT software to send reminders to clients about their upcoming appointments, ensuring a completed transaction.

How to Report No-Show Passengers in NEMT Software

Majority of NEMT software providers include a feature for tracking no-show rates, passengers, and drivers. 

If you are a driver and you need to report a no-show in your NEMT software, simply follow these steps:

  • Log into your NEMT driver application.
  • There are three options available on the navigation screen with the loading pop-up: “Call out,” “No-show,” and “Loaded.” Select the “No-Show” option.
  • Your application will display a waiting for approval message until dispatch approves the report. The dispatcher has the authority to either keep you waiting or confirm the no-show.
  • When the no-show is confirmed, 

enter the required information, such as the date of the no-show, the passenger’s name, and the pickup and drop-off locations.

  • Save your changes.

The software will store this information and integrate it with the rest of the company’s no-show data. This data can be arranged according to the area, passenger, month, time, and even driver or team. With these details, the company can have a better understanding of what causes no-shows and the best way to manage them. 

Here’s a video guide on how to use an NEMT driver application:

NEMT Software Can Manage No-shows and Improve Services

No-shows may be common, but that doesn’t mean your business has to suffer for it. Use NEMT software like RouteGenie that has features for tracking and managing no-shows. 

With the right cloud-based NEMT software system, you can ensure that most of your clients will show up for their appointments and that your business will run smoothly.