What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

What NEMT is

NEMT is planned transportation for medical reasons. The trip is arranged ahead of time, the pickup and destination are known, and the transportation team knows enough about the passenger to plan the ride properly.

It is different from a taxi or rideshare because the trip is organised around the medical visit and the passenger's needs, not just the address.

Who may use it

• People who cannot drive themselves or need another transportation option for a medical appointment
• Older adults going to regular medical care
• Passengers who use a wheelchair or need extra time getting in and out of a vehicle
• People going home after a hospital stay
• Anyone with a repeating schedule, such as dialysis or therapy sessions

The ride is often arranged by someone else: a family member, a caregiver, or a care team at a clinic or hospital.

Examples of non-emergency trips

• A doctor, specialist or outpatient appointment
• A diagnostic visit, such as a scan or test
• Dialysis treatments on set days each week
• Physical or occupational therapy sessions
• Leaving the hospital after discharge

How it differs from an ambulance

NEMT is not emergency medical transportation. If someone needs emergency medical care, call 911. Zenward does not provide ambulance or stretcher transportation.

How a transportation request generally works

1. You share the trip details: who is travelling, from where, to where, and when.
2. The transportation provider reviews the trip, including any mobility or assistance needs.
3. They contact you to confirm availability, the details and the price.
4. The ride takes place as confirmed.

A request isn't a confirmed ride. Zenward reviews availability, trip details and pricing, and transportation is arranged only after we confirm it with you. Pricing is confirmed after Zenward reviews the transportation request and trip details.