Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) makes it possible to get to dialysis, physical therapy, and outpatient appointments safely and on time — without relying on family members to take time off work. Here’s what to know before you book.

For many riders across Rome, Utica, and the Mohawk Valley, non-emergency medical transportation isn’t an occasional need — it’s a regular part of managing a health condition. VIP Taxi of New York specializes in NEMT, and this guide covers everything you should know before your first booking.

What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transport?

Non-emergency medical transport is transportation designed for patients who need help getting to and from medical appointments but don’t require an ambulance. It covers a wide range of needs, including:

• Recurring dialysis appointments
• Physical and occupational therapy sessions
• Outpatient procedures and pre- or post-op visits
• Routine doctor and specialist visits
• Discharge rides home from the hospital

Depending on your mobility, an NEMT ride might use a standard vehicle, a wheelchair-accessible van, a stretcher-equipped vehicle, or ambulatory support for riders who can walk with assistance.

1. Insurance & Billing — What to Confirm First

One of the most common questions we get is whether insurance covers non-emergency medical transportation. We work directly with many insurance plans and case managers on eligible trips. Before your first ride, it helps to have ready:

• Your insurance provider and plan details
• Any required prior authorization from your case manager or facility
• Your appointment confirmation, including the exact time and location

If you’re not sure whether your trip qualifies, call our dispatch team — we can help confirm before you book.

2. Scheduling Around Your Appointment, Not the Other Way Around

NEMT works best when it’s built around your care schedule. We coordinate pickup times so you arrive with enough buffer before appointments like dialysis, where being on time matters, and we plan return trips around typical appointment or treatment lengths so you’re not left waiting.

Tip: For recurring treatments like dialysis or physical therapy, ask dispatch about setting up a standing ride schedule so you don’t need to call before every visit.

3. Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Not every NEMT trip requires the same setup. Let your dispatcher know your mobility level so the right vehicle is sent:

• Ambulatory transport if you can walk with some assistance
• Wheelchair transport if you remain in your wheelchair for the ride
• Stretcher transport if you need to stay lying down

4. Referrals for Case Managers & Facilities

We also work with hospitals, rehab facilities, dialysis clinics, and case managers who coordinate transportation for their patients or clients. If you’re referring a patient, our dispatch team can help set up recurring rides and coordinate billing directly.

5. What to Expect on Ride Day

• A licensed, trained driver arrives in a clean, well-maintained vehicle
• Assistance getting in and out of the vehicle, including wheelchair or stretcher securement if needed
• A direct route to your appointment, with real-time updates if anything changes
• Flat, upfront pricing on eligible local routes — no meter surprises

Frequently Asked Questions

Is non-emergency medical transport the same as an ambulance?

No. NEMT is for patients who are stable and don’t require emergency medical care during transport, but may need mobility assistance, a wheelchair van, or a stretcher vehicle to travel safely and comfortably.

Do you accept insurance for medical transportation?

Yes — we work directly with many insurance plans and case managers for eligible trips. Call dispatch to confirm coverage before booking.

Can I set up recurring rides for dialysis or therapy?

Yes, standing weekly or recurring ride schedules are available — just ask when you call.

Have an upcoming appointment? Request a free estimate or call our NEMT team directly at (315) 336-0405.