Running an NEMT, or Non-Emergency Medical Transport company comes with many associated risks. This happens anytime you have a business that transports medical patients, some of them fragile, from their homes to their appointments, medical procedures, and hospital stays. Since NEMT companies need to control a lot of variables, such as vehicle maintenance, driver abilities, and patient safety, it makes sense to have a risk management plan in place.
What should this risk management plan entail? Let’s go over some of the many risks your business may face, as well as how to mitigate them.
Vehicle Issues
How old are your NEMT vehicles? Do you keep accurate maintenance records? Do they contain any special equipment, like wheelchair lifts or ramps? Vehicles can break down, even when they’re properly maintained. Having one of your NEMT vehicles out of commission can hurt your business, which is why you need to have a plan in place for when vehicles are out of commission, as well as the right insurance plans to cover any unexpected expenses.
Driver Issues
No matter how much you vet your drivers, you’re still going to run into issues. If one should drive under the influence, or drive recklessly, your passengers could end up in danger. The same goes for drivers who aren’t properly trained and are unable to get your passengers safely into the vehicle. Any problems caused by your drivers fall directly on the company, which is why you need to be ready to deal with these risks. Having an insurance policy designed for NEMT companies should be part of this risk management plan.
Patient Issues
The patients who utilize NEMT services tend to be fragile. They have walkers, canes, or wheelchairs that they need to get around. As a result, they need help getting into and out of your companies’ vehicles. When an accident occurs, such as a slip and fall while disembarking, your company could be found liable for any medical costs, among other things. In order to mitigate this risk, you need to have a driver training program in place, plus an NEMT insurance plan that can help pay for lawsuit costs, medical bills, and other expenses that are determined to be your fault.
Operational Issues
Things like traffic and weather can impair your company’s ability to get patients to their appointments on time. Other mistakes, like incorrect addresses, scheduling issues, and incorrect appointment times can interfere with this as well. Once again, having a plan in place to deal with these issues when they pop up, such as alternate vehicles or different routes to get from point A to point B can help. In addition, an NEMT insurance plan plays a role in solving the problems as well.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about the importance of including insurance in the risk management plans for your NEMT company? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance