Did you know that over 35% of frequent healthcare users in Canada report missed or delayed appointments because of transportation issues? If you’re part of an organization that wants to provide patient transport services to help people get to medical appointments, this probably doesn’t surprise you.
You’ve likely seen patients miss healthcare visits or show up late because they didn’t have a ride. It’s frustrating because you know what happens next: their health gets worse, and it ends up costing more time and money for everyone. This is a real gap in care that affects lives.
Now, think about what things could look like with reliable patient transport services and if people getting to their appointments was never an issue. Imagine fewer missed appointments, better health outcomes, and less stress for patients and families. That’s the goal, and patient transport services can help you get there.
At MoveMobility, we’ve been helping organizations solve these problems for over 20 years. We design vehicles that make getting to care easier and safer, so no one is left behind. We’ve worked with all kinds of organizations, from healthcare providers like Quest Community Health Centre to non-profits, to create real solutions. While we know we’re not the only ones in this industry, we’re proud of the impact our vehicles make.
In this article, we’ll share the five biggest problems patient transport services solve so you’ll have a better idea of whether this is the route your organization wants to take. Let’s dive in!
What are patient transport services?
Patient transport services help people get to the doctor’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facility when they don’t have transportation to get there. They ensure that no one misses out on healthcare care just because they can’t find a ride.
Here’s how they work:
Rides to medical appointments: This includes trips to the doctor, therapy, or other healthcare visits.
Help people with mobility challenges: These vehicles are built for patients who use wheelchairs or need extra help getting in and out.
Make sure rides are safe and reliable: Trained drivers take patients to appointments on time and in comfort.
They’re for non-emergency trips: Think of them as a helping hand for everyday healthcare needs, not an ambulance.
What 5 problems do patient transport services solve?
Patient transport services do more than just provide rides—they solve real issues that stop people from getting the care they need. Let’s look at five big problems these services help fix, starting with helping older adults get to appointments.
1. Helping the elderly get to medical appointments
Getting to the doctor isn’t always easy for older adults. Statistics show that the number of people who drive lowers as they get older. Family members likely want to help but might not always be free when needed or have the right vehicle. That’s where patient transport services come in.
Here’s how they help:
Reliable rides to medical care: Seniors can depend on these services to get to their check-ups, therapy, or other appointments.
Comfortable and safe vehicles: The vans are built to work with walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.
Less stress for families: Loved ones don’t have to miss work or rearrange their schedules to help.
Support for non-emergency care: These services handle people who need everyday medical visits, not just urgent needs.
For older adults, patient transportation services mean more freedom and better access to care. It’s a simple way to stay healthy without depending on others all the time.
2. Patient transport services make healthcare accessible for people in rural areas
Over 7 million people live in rural areas in Canada. Living in a rural area can make getting to medical appointments really hard. Hospitals and clinics are often far away, and public transportation isn’t an option for many. This creates a big gap in care that patient transport services help fill.
Here’s how they solve this problem:
Bridging the distance: Patient transport services make sure people in rural areas can get to hospitals or specialists, even if they’re hours away.
Reliable rides when there’s no public transit: These services are a lifeline for people without access to buses or trains.
Safe and comfortable travel: Vehicles are built for long trips and can handle mobility aids like wheelchairs.
Helping with non-emergency care: A regular check-up or follow-up appointment, patient transport takes the stress out of getting there..
For people in rural areas, getting to healthcare shouldn’t feel impossible. Patient transportation services close that gap, making sure everyone can access the care they need, no matter where they live.
3. Helping patients keep their appointments
We talked about this a bit earlier, but let’s take a closer look at it. Many people miss doctor’s appointments because they simply don’t have a ride. Skipping important check-ups or treatments can cause serious health problems. Patient transport services fix this by giving people a reliable way to get to their medical visits.
Here’s how patient transport services can help with this gap:
Always having a ride: No more worrying about asking friends or paying for expensive ride-shares.
Stopping delays in care: Missing appointments can make health problems worse, but patient transport keeps things on track.
Keeping people healthy: When patients make it to their appointments, they can catch small problems before they get worse.
Patient transportation services take away the stress of finding a ride. This helps people stay on top of their health and avoid bigger problems later.
4. Helping patients with routine care
Some medical appointments aren’t emergencies but are still really important. These are things like regular check-ups or physiotherapy sessions. But for people who don’t drive or don’t have a way to get there, it can be hard to make it. Patient transport services solve this problem by offering safe, reliable rides for these everyday doctor visits.
Here’s how they help with non-emergency care:
Rides for regular visits: Patient transport ensures that individuals reach their appointments.
Comfortable travel: The vehicles are built to keep patients safe and comfortable, especially for those with wheelchairs or other needs. That means an elderly person won’t have to experience pain or discomfort in a regular car.
Reliable and affordable: These services are an affordable option for routine healthcare trips. The services are easy to schedule ahead of time, making it simple to plan for the next visit.
Less stress: Patients don’t need to worry about asking for rides or scrambling to find a way there.
Support for those without other options: Patient transport is the perfect solution for individuals who can’t drive, don’t have family or friends to help, or can’t use public transport.
Patient transportation services make it easy for people to keep up with their regular care and stay healthy. It takes the stress out of going to the doctor.
5. Helping people with limited mobility
For people with limited mobility, like those in wheelchairs or with serious health conditions, getting to doctor’s appointments can be a huge challenge. It’s not always easy to find a ride that can accommodate their needs. That’s where patient transport services come in, making sure these individuals can travel safely and comfortably to their medical appointments without stress.
Here’s why this matters:
Accessible vehicles: Patient transport services have vehicles specially designed to carry wheelchairs, stretchers, and other medical equipment.
No more struggles: Patients don’t need to worry about complicated rides or asking for help. These services make it easy to get to healthcare.
Independence and dignity: Using patient transport services helps people with limited mobility feel more independent and dignified, knowing they can go to their appointments on their own terms.
With patient transportation services, individuals with limited mobility can receive the care they need without the hassle of finding the right vehicle or struggling with transportation issues. It’s an easy way to ensure everyone has access to healthcare when they need it most.
Want to learn more about patient transport services?
You’re probably here because you’re looking for better ways to get patients to their appointments in a safe and timely manner. Whether it’s seniors struggling to get to the doctor or others missing important treatments, we get it. After reading this article, you now know how patient transport services can solve these problems and help ensure that everyone gets the care they need when they need it.
At MoveMobility, we specialize in building accessible and reliable vehicles that break down barriers to healthcare and transportation. We know how important it is for patients to get the care they need without delays, and we’re here to support organizations like yours in making that happen.
We pride ourselves on providing personalized service and working with you to find the right solution. If you have any questions or want to talk to a mobility expert, just click the button below to get in touch.
Interested in learning which vehicle to use for patient transport services? The two articles below provide a closer look at what options might work best for you.
