How to Build a Medical Transportation Company

Non-emergency medical transportation is a frequently utilized service for elderly and disabled individuals that facilitates access to necessary medical services. It also is used for other treatment resources and community activities, and provides assistance with completing daily living tasks, such as going to the grocery store. Medicaid pays for non-emergency medical transportation offered by approved providers.

Instructions

• 1

  Research services provided by other medical transportation companies in your community and assess the need for medical transportation. Identify the population(s) that will be utilizing your medical transportation services. Identify any deficiencies in current medical transportation options available in the community.

• 2

  Construct a preliminary budget for your medical transportation company. This budget should include the cost of vehicles, maintenance and insurance for the vehicles, training, wages for drivers and other employees, advertising expenses and general administrative costs.

• 3

  Research state licensing and Medicaid billing requirements for medical transportation in your area. Take note of any licensing and Medicaid billing requirements that must be met prior to starting your medical transportation business.

• 4

  Apply for a tax identification number through the state's Department of Revenue. If your company will be a nonprofit, review the IRS requirements for becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency and submit the application.

• 5

  Apply for grants and loans for your medical transportation business. Consider searching for grants through your state health department, the US Department of Health and Human Services and grants offered by your local government. Use this funding to purchase medical transportation vehicles, hiring staff for driving, hiring administrative staff (if necessary), purchasing bookkeeping software, etc.

• 6

  Obtain CPR certification, a public passenger chauffeur license or commercial driver's license (depending on state requirements) and other licenses required to operate a medical transportation company. Hire qualified drivers that are CPR certified and hold appropriate licenses for providing medical transportation.

• 7

  Make sure that all requirements are met for Medicaid and Medicare billing. This includes obtaining a national provider identifier (NPI), which can be obtained by completing an application available through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• 8

  Advertise your medical transportation services. Community social service agencies, churches and medical clinics are a few potential places to advertise your services.