The four levels
- Curb-to-curb: the driver helps the rider in and out of the vehicle at the curb.
- Door-to-door: the driver walks the rider between the vehicle and the outside door of the home or building.
- Door-through-door: the driver takes the rider through the door, for example to the lobby or reception desk.
- Hand-to-hand: the driver hands the rider to a named caregiver or staff member, and doesn’t leave them alone. Common for riders with dementia and for children.
In Medi-Cal
DHCS requires plans to make sure door-to-door assistance is provided for every member receiving NEMT. Brokers can’t downgrade a member from NEMT to NMT, including ambulatory door-to-door service. Some payers also ask for a facility staff member’s name and signature at drop-off.
What it means for the provider
Higher service levels take longer at each stop, which the schedule has to allow for. The service level belongs on the trip, so the driver knows before arriving.
Related terms
- Space type (level of service)Space type, also called level of service, says how a rider travels and so what room they take in a vehicle: ambulatory (a seat), wheelchair, stretcher or bariatric.
- AmbulatoryAn ambulatory rider is one who can walk, with or without a little help, and sit in a regular vehicle seat.
- Attendant (escort)An attendant, or escort, is a person who rides with the member to help them, such as a parent, guardian, spouse or aide.
- NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation)Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a ride to covered medical care for someone whose condition rules out ordinary public or private transport.
Sources
Checked on . Rules change: check the current version with the payer before you bill.