Health systems and hospitals are increasingly searching for levers to pull to enhance patient progression, increase value in delivery of care and address social determinants of health (SODH). One of the most interesting tactics that providers are using is digitized transportation for their patients and providers. Digitized transportation is the combination of digital technology platforms with traditional transportation.
This can help reduce the complex burden of medical transportation on health systems that have historically provided transportation through shuttles, taxi vouchers and ride-share services as a key component of their continuum of care.
Healthcare systems and hospital groups benefit the most from strategically using transportation platforms that have digitized transportation solutions. The following are 3 key ways health systems usually employ this strategic lever at different parts of the delivery or care:
It is critical for healthcare systems to think of their key goals and strategic drivers when using transportation.
In addition, digitized transportation offers data about patient and provider patterns, behavior that could be used for population health management and clinical care delivery if mined appropriately.