Ride-hailing Companies as Medical Transporters
Would you think of calling an Uber or a Lyft ride if you needed to get to a hospital? In fact, such services are becoming an essential part of the medical transportation system in Georgia and other states. Drivers like Tramaine Carr power this move, ferrying ailing patients to and from healthcare facilities, acting simultaneously as drivers and emotional confidantes.
Patients use Uber and Lyft for a wide variety of medical needs, from travelling to physical therapy appointments to reaching cancer care centers. These services have proven especially useful for rural Georgians who have limited access to personal transportation. Often, these mobile apps offer the only feasible transportation option to reach healthcare facilities located in the state capital, Atlanta.
Rural Hospital Shutdowns Fueling the Trend
The role of Uber and Lyft in healthcare has found traction due to the recent closures of rural hospitals in Georgia. This means that individuals with serious health conditions are now forced to commute for hours to receive treatment in Atlanta. What was once a local journey has now become a long-distance travel mission. Unable to drive themselves due to their health state, many such patients now rely heavily on Uber and Lyft.
Lyft alone has recorded thousands of rides extending more than 50 miles, either starting or ending at medical treatment facilities in the Atlanta area. These figures indicate the heavy reliance, especially by those residing at significant distances from the city, on these ride-hailing apps for accessing medical care. Most of these rides are covered by insurance or charities, but social workers insist that many patients are still left without transportation means.
Low Public Transport Accessibility Compounds the Issue
The problem is further exacerbated by the poor public transport connectivity in Atlanta. Ranked among the worst in the nation for public transport accessibility, Atlanta leaves many people without access to a vehicle or public transportation, resulting in them skipping necessary medical care.
Uber and Treatment for Rural Patients: A Cost-effective Solution
The benefits of using ride-hailing services for medical transportation aren’t just confined to accessibility. The cost for such rides is often significantly lower for patients and insurers compared to the often-exorbitant fees for an ambulance ride. However, experts like Timothy Crimmins, a history professor at Georgia State University, believe the ideal solution would be the expansion of Medicaid, keeping more rural hospitals operational and helping Georgians receive medical care closer to home.
Uber and Lyft: A Blessing or a Burden?
Transporting patients, however, isn’t for every ride-hail driver. Some find it stressful dealing with passengers with medical needs, especially without receiving additional compensation for it. Nevertheless, many drivers such as Tramaine Carr enjoy the role, relishing the opportunity to aid patients and connect with them on a human level. She balances the challenges with the fulfillment of providing assistance to those in need.
The rise of ride-hailing services in the healthcare sector confirms their potential beyond just convenience transportation. Their contribution to bridging healthcare gaps in states like Georgia highlights the innovative ways in which digital technology interacts with healthcare services, filling gaps and serving those who need them the most.
This story not only points to the changing dynamics of healthcare transportation but also the pressing need for stronger healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. While Uber and Lyft are part of the solution, the bigger answer likely lies in policy changes that support better healthcare accessibility for all.