In today's healthcare landscape, reliable non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is no longer just a convenience; it's a critical piece of the patient care puzzle. With an aging population facing challenges like transportation barriers, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to NEMT solutions like Kerico Health Care to address a growing concern: medical appointment no-shows.

Up to 50% of all medical appointments in the US are missed, often due to lack of reliable or affordable transportation. This translates to billions in annual losses for the healthcare industry and, more importantly, delayed diagnoses, worsened health outcomes, and compromised continuity of care for patients. High-quality NEMT, however, can significantly decrease medical appointment no-shows, expedite hospital discharges, and boost patient satisfaction scores.

Chris Ochs, Kerico Health Care’s Chief Development Director, shares how NEMT services can address the challenges of no shows and delayed hospital discharges. “At Kerico, we partner with healthcare providers like hospitals and clinics, streamlining the medical transportation process, and working to ensure that patients are able to access their medical care in a timely manner and with dignity,” says Ochs. “By coordinating directly with healthcare providers, we have been able to reduce appointment no-shows by up to 40% in some instances. This impacts healthcare delivery in a multitude of ways including improving continuity of care, disease management, and revenue.”

Kerico Health Care goes beyond simply providing transportation. Their clients include healthcare systems like UnitedHealth Group and Houston Methodist, where Kerico is relied upon to streamline the medical journey and enhance the patient experience. Their approach rests on three pillars: collaboration between NEMT providers and healthcare providers, compassion for the patient and their experience, and strategic partnership with healthcare systems.

“We recognize that a patient’s overall healthcare experience is impacted by their transportation experience,” says Ochs. “At Kerico, we focus on providing door-through-door service for patients, while treating them with the highest level of compassion and respect. Our healthcare partners depend on us, and our goal is to provide the gold standard in medical transportation, transforming the patient experience and improving health outcomes in the process. ”

Kerico works closely with healthcare providers to understand their challenges and tailor transportation plans specific to their patient’s needs. Their compassionate drivers are trained in patient-centered care, easing anxieties for patients and ensuring a smooth experience. This investment in time and training results in healthcare efficiency. Every dollar spent on NEMT saves $11 on emergency care, reducing costs for providers and improving overall health outcomes.

A focus on providing high-quality, patient-centered medical transportation has paid off, with Kerico seeing 300% year-over-year growth. Founded by entrepreneur Micheal Morris, who was inspired to form Kerico after struggling to keep up with his mother’s cancer appointments, the NEMT provider operates in Texas and Arkansas with plans to continue expanding in the future.

As healthcare systems seek solutions to improve patient flow and resource allocation, they're recognizing the true value of NEMT. Patient transportation is a strategic partner in optimizing patient care, reducing costs, and improving the healthcare experience. By prioritizing compassion, collaboration, and measurable impact, healthcare providers can reduce transportation barriers and transform healthcare for everyone.

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