Uber and Lyft have the potential, as yet unrealized, to put real pressure of public transportation regarding their astounding lack of customer service for people with disabilities....
Too often, patients cite health care costs as a main reason for not getting the care they need. However, an obstacle that often goes overlooked is access to reliable transportation.
A 2013 meta-analysis of 25 studies published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that anywhere between 10 and 51 percent of patients reported inadequate access to reliable transportation as a barrier to accessing health care. Additionally, one study showed that 82 percent of those who had access to transportation kept their appointments, while 58 percent of those who did not have access to transportation did not keep appointments.
How can this problem be addressed? Simple.
With the push of a button, Uber and Lyft – two location-based technology phone applications that make hiring an on-demand private driver painless – have teamed with hospitals and medical providers to ensure patients have the transportation the need to make their appointments. And in some cases, it’s even covered by Medicare Advantage and other insurance plans!
Nationwide, more than 17 million seniors and individuals with disabilities have chosen to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan because of the better quality care and innovative services offered through the program. By eliminating this critical transportation barrier one thing is clear: a healthier America is on the horizon.