Reducing Hospital Readmissions with NEMT: A Strategic Move for Connecticut’s Health Networks
Reliable Medical Transportation Solutions for Reducing Hospital Readmissions in Connecticut
Reducing hospital readmissions is a growing priority for healthcare networks across Connecticut, particularly in areas like Hartford, New Haven, New London, and Bridgeport. While clinical care within hospitals remains top-tier, what happens after discharge can often lead to costly setbacks — avoidable ones.
Missed follow-ups, unfilled prescriptions, and skipped rehabilitation appointments are frequent culprits. One of the biggest, yet most overlooked barriers? Lack of transportation.
Why Hospital Readmissions Are Still High in Connecticut
Despite spending more per capita on healthcare than most states, Connecticut continues to report troubling readmission rates. According to the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy, gaps in care coordination — especially post-discharge — continue to be a common issue. Patients may be released from institutions like Hartford Hospital or Bridgeport Hospital only to face logistical barriers that make recovery difficult.
And it isn’t just a healthcare concern — it’s a financial one too. Under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) withhold up to 3% of payments from hospitals with higher-than-expected readmission rates. In 2023, over 2,200 U.S. hospitals were penalized, including several across Connecticut.
The Transportation–Readmission Link
According to the Medical Transportation Access Coalition, patients without reliable transportation are far more likely to miss follow-up care — often the first step toward readmission. A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) found that transportation barriers accounted for nearly 30% of missed appointments.
In New Haven, for instance, Yale New Haven Hospital sees this pattern play out frequently among older adults. Many of them struggle to access safe, reliable rides — especially those with mobility issues or multiple chronic conditions. Without structured support, returning to care becomes an uphill battle.
M7’s Role in Reducing Hospital Readmissions
As Connecticut’s leading non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider, M7 addresses this issue head-on. Serving Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London, M7 partners directly with case managers, hospital networks, and healthcare facilities to close the transportation gap.
How M7 Supports Care Continuity
M7 is more than a ride service — it’s a healthcare logistics solution designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. Its services include:
• Door-to-door assistance for patients with mobility or cognitive challenges
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles that meet ADA standards
• HIPAA-compliant systems for secure scheduling and privacy
• Multi-stop rides, perfect for patients with multiple appointments
• Real-time tracking and notifications, adding transparency for families and providers
From scheduling rides at New London’s Lawrence + Memorial Hospital to ensuring timely arrival at follow-up appointments in New Haven, M7 operates as an extension of the healthcare team.
The High Cost of Avoidable Readmissions
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the average readmission cost for patients falls between $14,500 and $16,300. These preventable hospital admissions significantly burden both providers and the healthcare system.
By contrast, an NEMT round-trip ride costs a fraction of that amount. The financial case becomes even stronger when NEMT is integrated into hospital discharge planning. For example, scheduling transportation for a patient leaving St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport can directly reduce the likelihood of a costly readmission.
A Scalable Strategy for Healthcare Systems
For hospitals and healthcare providers, integrating NEMT services like M7 at scale can drastically reduce overall readmission rates. Better yet, it boosts compliance with HRRP goals and strengthens patient satisfaction metrics.
Supporting Connecticut’s Aging and At-Risk Populations
Connecticut ranks among the oldest states in the U.S. by median age. In communities across Hartford County and southeastern Connecticut, older individuals often face significant physical or cognitive limitations, making transportation a serious barrier.
Public transit options in rural or suburban areas, like parts of New London or East Hartford, may be limited or inaccessible. Rideshare services, while convenient for some, often fail to meet the needs of seniors or people with disabilities.
M7 fills that void with:
• Trained drivers in patient assistance and safety protocols
• Consistent support for recurring appointments like dialysis or physical therapy
• Flexible scheduling, available same-day or in advance
This targeted approach empowers patients while reducing pressure on emergency departments and hospitals.
Building Transportation into Discharge Planning
Historically, transportation was treated as an afterthought. Patients were discharged with an appointment card and expected to figure out logistics on their own. Today, care teams are rethinking this approach.
By integrating transportation into the discharge process — before a patient even leaves the room — providers can ensure:
• Patients attend appointments on time
• Patients or their caregivers pick up prescriptions
• Patients do not miss therapy and rehab sessions
This level of planning helps reduce readmissions across key conditions targeted by HRRP, including:
• Heart failure
• COPD
• Pneumonia
• Joint replacements
• Coronary artery bypass surgeries
Seamless Booking with M7’s App and Web Tools
One of M7’s standout features is how easy it is to use. Patients, family members, and care coordinators can book rides via:
• Online portal with user-friendly scheduling tools
• Mobile app for real-time tracking and updates
• Phone support
These tools make ride coordination fast, secure, and dependable — ideal for hospital discharge teams and busy outpatient centers alike.
Reliable Transportation Is Preventive Care
Reducing hospital readmissions starts with seeing transportation as part of the care plan — not a separate issue. With the right NEMT partner, hospitals and healthcare systems in Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London can protect their patients and their bottom line.
M7 makes that easier. With specialized vehicles, dedicated staff, and seamless tech integration, M7 is helping to reduce hospital readmissions across Connecticut — one ride at a time.
Ready to improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions?
Visit M7Ride.com to schedule a ride, book online, or download the app today.
How Do Medical Practices & Hospitals Arrange Rides for Patients?
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– Option to select authorized users
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