Are you in the business of transporting non-emergency patients? Do you face challenges in routing and scheduling in operations management? Well, be assured that you’re not alone. Savvy providers leverage technology to make their job easier and their patients happier. Transportation appointment scheduling software does just that! 

Transportation scheduling software is designed to help non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers manage everything, from dispatching and booking to routing and billing. Whether you are an ambulance driver, taxi driver, or a side hustle gig driver, consider the importance (and headaches) of managing and optimizing transportation operations. Take advantage of non-emergency medical transportation scheduling software. If you are not sure how to start or how to choose the right software, keep reading.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation App 

Nowadays, you will find an app for almost anything that can be done using technology. Most people are familiar with using a ride share app, but there are many others used in a wide range of industries. 

Professionals in the manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation industries often use a truck dispatch software to receive and deliver raw materials and finished products. Users can install the technology on various mobile devices, including iOS or Android smartphones, tablets, and other handheld technology. This helps them manage the drivers, fleets, and scheduled routes with greater ease and efficiency. Without some type of transportation management software or app, they will be hard-pressed to save as much time and money on managing trips. 

So, you are probably wondering, “What about NEMT?” Yep, there are software platforms for that, too: the non-emergency medical transportation software. In general, most of the NEMT-based applications work like other types of transportation platforms. The main difference is that it ensures the safe and timely transport of people who do not have access to public or private transportation services. NEMT gets them to the hospital, doctor’s appointment, or similar places. 

Routing and Scheduling in Transportation 

Transportation scheduling software plays a crucial role in optimizing routing and scheduling in transportation. Using the right technology leads to improved operational efficiency and cost savings. Therefore, the importance of routing and scheduling software can't be expressed enough. 

What Is Routing and Scheduling? 

Do you manage operations involving delivery of products, services, or people? Chances are you already use a process that requires routing and scheduling. Route planning and schedule planning go hand in hand when it comes to transportation. However, it is essential to understand the difference between routing and scheduling, as each one serves its own unique purpose. 

• Transportation Routing : Transportation route planning refers to the process of determining the most efficient and cost-effective path for moving goods or individuals from one point to another. The objective of routing is to minimize travel time, distance, and costs while ensuring deliveries are timely and customer demands are met.
• Transportation Scheduling: Transportation schedule planning involves the process of taking orders or service requests, determining how many drivers (and the number of vehicles) you need to have working to cover those orders, and assigning drivers to trips during specific time windows. To execute seamless field operations, you almost always need to do scheduling first. 

Factors To Consider in Vehicle Routing and Scheduling  

While seemingly simple, scheduling can be a tedious task. It is one thing when everything's moving along, it is another when the unexpected arises. Various factors can impact routing and scheduling, such as road conditions, traffic congestion, vehicle capacity, and delivery time windows. NEMT software can help you nip those problems in the bud before they have a chance to negatively impact your business, staff, and customers. But first, let us consider the most common problems you may experience with routing and scheduling transportation services.

Routing and Scheduling Problems 

If you are in the transportation field, you probably already know something about this. Routing and scheduling problems include those you can control and those over which you have no control. 

Routing and scheduling problems can put a damper on even the most successful of businesses. That is because issues in transportation can range from minor hiccups to major disruptions. If not addressed quickly, routing and scheduling problems can cost you time, money, and customers. All these problems can be handled with the best NEMT software. 

Best NEMT Software 

It is clear to see the many benefits of using scheduling software if you’re an NEMT dispatcher. You can keep track of your drivers, vehicles, and passengers right at your fingertips — no need to rely on outdated, inefficient, manual processes anymore. Now you are familiar with what non-emergency medical transportation apps and software are all about, so what is next? 

The next step is securing some of this game-changing technology for your own business. That is precisely where MediRoutes NEMT scheduling software comes in! No matter which software provider you choose, it is crucial to consider features that would benefit you.  

Features of the Best NEMT Software 

Choosing the best NEMT software is easier said than done. That is because there are many different types of transportation platforms, software, and apps available on the market. What's more, they are not all created equal, so it is vital to choose your desired technology wisely.

As you weigh the numerous options, look at the following list of ideal features:

• Scheduling and dispatching 
• Real-time tracking 
• Automated billing and payments 
• Electronic health records (EHR) integration 
• Mobile apps for drivers and passengers 
• Route optimization 
• Reporting and analytics 
• Compliance and safety features 
• Customization and scalability 
• Customer support and training 
• Data security and privacy 
• User-friendly interface
• Integration with navigation and communication tools 

Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to transportation scheduling software. Be sure to define exactly what features you require for your unique business needs. In addition to features and benefits, also pay careful attention to NEMT software pricing. You do not want to pay for more bells and whistles than you need. Likewise, you do not want to spend your budget on something that does not work well enough for you. 

Dispatch Management Software 

NEMT Dispatchers are responsible for scheduling vehicles to pick up passengers and drop them off at their desired medical-related destination. This task usually involves receiving phone calls and communicating with drivers to ensure patients are transported on time. The larger the fleet and client base, the more tedious this can become for dispatchers.

Dispatch management software is a specialized type of software designed to streamline and optimize the process of dispatching resources. These resources include everything from vehicles, personnel, and equipment to various tasks, jobs, and service requests.  

The primary goal of dispatch management software is to: 

• Improve operational efficiency for scheduling and routing in transportation 
• Reduce response times for transportation services requests
• Enhance communication among dispatchers, field workers, and customers 

Independent dispatch management software plays an important role in transportation operations. Its use enhances transportation scheduling and overall efficiency. Dispatch software is commonly used in industries involving field service operations, transportation, logistics, emergency services, and delivery services, among others. It helps to reduce the administration burden often experienced by providers who still rely on outdated manual processes.

Schedule a Transportation Scheduling Software Demo

Our full-service software solution is specially designed to address common challenges faced by many organizations, from transportation providers, hospital systems, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics to taxi companies, dispatch companies, school districts, and pharmacy delivery. Many of our clients are NEMT transportation companies as well. You get real-time dispatching, detailed analytics and statistics, and more with our cloud-based applications. 

If you are a business owner, operations manager, IT consultant, or other professional in the NEMT industry, see firsthand how our leading NEMT software can optimize your routes and increase on-time performance. Contact us and schedule a demo today!