It is reported that more than 3.6 million Americans miss their medical appointments each year due to transportation barriers. This is especially prominent in the suburbs where public transportation networks are not extensively built yet. People largely rely on private transportation to get to their checkups on time.
People tend to set appointments in the middle of the day to avoid long queuing at hospitals. However, such timings are also when public transportation are not frequent. This process becomes challenging for people who have chronic conditions that require frequent appointments to the hospital. At times when there is a lack of transportation available, patients may end up dialing 911 for non-emergency situations. This may present a huge problem since it diverts resources that could have been used for other patients with more pressing needs.
When going to a medical appointment becomes a hassle, patients are more likely to miss the appointment. This could potentially lead to untreated symptoms and worsening health problems. Hospitals would also incur extra costs when patients miss their appointments. Resources are not being fully maximised, and resources are wasted when patients do not turn up.
Thus, some hospitals have chosen to partner with ride-sharing companies to get patients to their checkups. MedStar Health, a nonprofit healthcare system with hospitals in Maryland, began its partnership with Uber in January to allow patients to book for Uber rides on the hospital's website, as well as setting reminders prior to the appointment. The older generation makes up a slightly larger proportion of patients. Thus, they may not be as tech-savvy enough to book their appointment rides through the website. Medicaid patients who do not have access to the Uber app or the Internet can thus arrange their rides by calling the hospital's patient advocates where the rides would be planned for them.
With this switch to relying on private transportation companies (instead of taking public transport or having their own private cars), the cost of financing the rides come into question. Although these costs for services may vary, Medicaid patients' transportation for non-emergency medical visits are fully covered. The reimbursement rate however, depends on the state rules. In addition, ride-hailing services are not entirely wheelchair friendly especially in rural areas where there is a limited number of Uber drivers. Uber is seen as a good alternative especially in cold winter seasons where it would not be feasible to be standing in the snow waiting for a public bus to arrive. With an Uber waiting outside one's house can make the journey to hospitals that much more convenient and having one less thing to worry about.
The partnership with ride-hailing companies is ideal for countries with many rural and suburban areas where public transport networks are not extensive. The long distances between suburban homes and hospitals also makes ride-hailing feasible. However, in a small country in Singapore where the public transport system is widely accessible even in smaller neighourhoods, the option of calling an Uber may not be as largely used. Most hospitals are located within walking distance to MRT stations and bus stops. Furthermore, many hospitals in Singapore also offer shuttle bus services that ferry patients from nearby MRT stations.
References:
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/08/hospitals-are-partnering-with-uber-to-get-people-to-checkups/495476/
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2547765
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/uber-circulation-non-emergency-medical-transportation/
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