Quality non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity for many individuals with medical needs. Patients and their families rely on these services for safe, comfortable transportation to medical appointments, treatments, and other essential engagements. Safe and trustworthy non-emergency medical transport costs more than ride sharing, but NEMT delivers peace of mind, comfort, and timely care that ride sharing simply can’t. Reliability, safety, and professionalism make trustworthy non-emergency medical transport an indispensable part of healthcare accessibility and support.

Non-Emergency Medical Transport is Regulated

Using a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) provider is much safer than using a ride share service like Uber or Lyft. Unlike ride share services, medical transport is a very heavily regulated industry which requires accreditation and approval from several local government agencies. In San Diego, those agencies are the County of San Diego, MTS (Metropolitan Transport Service), and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.  Both MTS and the County of San Diego regulate NEMT providers which requires two separate applications. Then each agency issues its own operation permit.

Casa Companion Transport Services is Trained, Tested and Permitted

Casa Companion Transport Services is a County of San Diego- and MTS-approved non-emergency medical transport provider. We completed a full permitting process with each agency to for both our drivers and our transportation operations. The combined list of requirements for both agencies is extensive:

• Background check via Live Scan fingerprints conducted through the San Diego Sheriff’s Department (annual)
• Substance abuse test submitted to the Sheriff’s Department (at least annual + random testing)
• Alcohol test submitted to the Sheriff’s Department (at least annual + random testing)
• First Aid training (every three years)
• CPR training (every two years)
• Paratransit driver application submitted to the Sheriff’s Department for a Sheriff’s Licensed Driver ID card (annually). Drivers must wear the ID card issued by the Sheriff’s Department at all times
• Proof of US citizenship or valid employment authorization for drivers
• Proof of liability and auto insurance per MTS limits. Casa Companion Transport Solutions insures in excess of the minimum requirements, although NEMT insurance is even more expensive than coverage for in-home caregivers
• Proof of vehicle registration
• Approval of the company vehicle maintenance program
• Approval of the company training and orientation program
• Annual vehicle inspections with an MTS Inspector
• A pre-inspection by a Certified Mechanical Technician at a certified ASE facility before the MTS Inspector inspects the vehicle
• Various driver safety training (annually and upon hire)
• Wheelchair securement and lift ramp training (annually and upon hire)
• Mandatory safety items in vehicle at all times such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflector warning triangles
• Approval of application and issuance of County of San Diego NEMT Permit for the company (annually). This regulatory body is the County of San Diego Emergency Medical Service Office – same organization that oversees ambulances, paramedics and emergency medical technicians
• Approval of application and issuance of MTS Permit (annually)

Quality NEMT Has an MTS Medallion

Once we’ve submitted all the requirements and passed all the tests, MTS issues a medallion for each vehicle. The medallion is the numbered plate, sticker, or decal issued by MTS to the permit holder. The medallion is then displayed on a for-hire vehicle to indicate the authorized use or uses of that vehicle.  If a vehicle doesn’t have a medallion on it, then it is operating without a permit, and riders should beware of these operators.  All these permit applications, training, and tests are expensive and in addition to the cost to operate each vehicle.  All told, the cost of preparing to provide this type of service to the community is steep before any rides even take place. That’s why safe, trustworthy, and reliable non-emergency medical transport comes at a premium.

Safe and Reliable NEMT Provider in San Diego

Safe and reliable non-emergency medical transport services are indispensable for those in need of secure transportation options, and Casa Companion Transport Solutions is proud to offer them to the San Diego community.