What vehicles are right for your NEMT business?
Many NEMT providers tap into the industry in one of two ways—they either start a business from the ground up, or they acquire one from a seller. In either case, you might have a business but few or no vehicles, which is a problem for obvious reasons. In order to run a successful NEMT operation, you need a reliable fleet of appropriate, ADA-compliant vehicles. Don’t know where or how to find them? Read on for more information!
The best vehicles for NEMT
The first thing you need to look for in any vehicle is accessibility. Does it include a wheelchair ramp and lift? Is it spacious enough for multiple passengers? Most of the clients you transport will be coming from nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, so you need to take into consideration what they may need—wheelchairs, walkers, gurneys, and oxygen tanks are all good things to have on hand in case. For the most part, you’ll be looking at minivans, full-size vans, and buses for transportation. We highlighted a few resources below.
Wheelchair vans
These vehicles come with a ramp and lift for easy wheelchair access. Additionally, they’re spacious and usually allow for different seating arrangements and floor plans for even more versatility. Ford, Ram, and Dodge all have options for this type of vehicle, so you can browse every option and figure out what will work best for your business and clientele.
Stretcher vans
These vans are equipped with tools that allow a gurney to be secured into the vehicle for a safe trip. They also are a spacious option for both wheelchair passengers and multi-loading.
Minivans
While it’s important to be prepared for passengers in wheelchairs or gurneys, many of your customers will be able to walk themselves to the vehicle without any additional help. That said, having minivans in your fleet is a great asset.
Don’t forget the NEMT software!
Once you have a solid fleet up and running, it’s time to take your business even further with non-emergency medical transportation scheduling software. Send your information our way, and our experts will be in touch to set up a free demo with you!