The project, called Hitch Health, taps into Lyft’s application programming interface, which is linked to the hospital’s EHR. The software accesses the EHR to determine which patients are eligible for the Hitch Health program based on insurance type, treatment and condition.
Eligible patients will receive a text five to seven days before their appointment, inviting them to use the service. Then, the patient simply texts “yes” to receive a Lyft ride to the clinic on the day of their appointment. On the day of the appointment, the patient receives the Lyft driver’s information and pick-up details via text messages.
Hitch Health will continue to roll out pilot programs throughout 2017. It is in discussions to launch separate pilots with health plans like Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services and EHR vendors like Epic.
Hitch Health estimates Medicaid spends $5 billion a year on non-emergency transportation to help patients get to clinics. On average, 19 percent of patients are no-shows, which cost health systems $150 billion a year.
More articles on patient flow:
St. Joseph’s Hospital to close maternity ward Sept. 10
Sanford Health hospital to transfer up to 70 patients to new Fargo facility
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
