The service, Uber Health, aims to help patients make it to their medical appointments on time. For patients without smartphones, receptionists or other staffers at participating physicians’ offices can schedule their rides for immediate pickup or dropoff up to 30 days in advance.
“Transportation barriers are the greatest for vulnerable populations,” said Chris Weber, general manager of Uber Health, adding the service “will provide reliable, comfortable transportation for patients,” but will not act as a supplement to ambulances for patients in critical need of care.
Rather than operating through an app, Uber Health will send passengers their ride information via text message. Drivers, however, will still locate and pick up riders through the Uber app, allowing them to abide by the patient privacy laws outlined in HIPAA.
Roughly 100 healthcare facilities nationwide participated in Uber Health’s test program. The company said it plans to roll out the feature to participating facilities gradually. Officials also said they hope to introduce an option for passengers to receive a call with their trip details to their landline, according to the report.
More articles on patient flow:
9 recent hospital ward, unit closures and service terminations
Chicago hospital to shutter pediatric unit pending approval
Massachusetts hospital to close, transition inpatient services to Boston Medical Center
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.