Some Opting for Uber Instead of an Ambulance to Get to ED

Millions of Americans take an ambulance trip every year; others get rides from willing friends or, tempting fate, drive themselves. In an article from statnews.com, author Leah Samuel writes about a new trend that has arisen: Instead of an ambulance, some sick people are hailing an emergency Uber. There are a couple of interesting messages here from the consumers interviewed. 1. Ride share to the ED is cheaper. Consumers are becoming more aware of the payment they need to make for ambulances and are making other choices. 2. They take you where you want to go. Based on the statements from a couple of the consumers, there are still places where the ambulance will only take you, by protocol, to the closest hospital. This doesn't appear to be a patient-centered protocol. This boils down to once again, the perception of value on the part of the payer. In the case where a ‘patient’ uses Uber or Lyft, they're determining those services are more valuable than the local EMS agency. So, we at JEMS ask: How do we change that perception? Read the full article at statnews.com.
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Ambulances & Vehicle Ops News Administration and Leadership Source Type: news