Ride-sharing apps have exploded in popularity thanks to the convenience offered to users—a car can come get you in a few minutes after a few swipes of a screen. Now, Uber, which held 84 percent of the U.S. market in 2017, plans to help patients and providers arrange rides.
The company announced UberHealth on March 1, a service that will allow clinic and hospital personnel to order rides for patients and clients. Individuals will not need the Uber app or a smartphone to receive service.
“We’re unveiling a new service focused on an issue vital to all of us: health. Every year, 3.6 million Americans miss doctor appointments due to a lack of reliable transportation,” said Chris Weber, the general manager of Uber Health, in a prepared statement. “No-show rates are as high as 30 percent nationwide. And while transportation barriers are common across the general population, these barriers are greatest for vulnerable populations, including patients with the highest burden of chronic disease.”
Non-medical-emergency transportation is a $3 billion market in the U.S., according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, meaning Uber could become a significant player in the space. Weber said the service, which is offered for no additional cost, is HIPAA complaint and currently in use by more than 100 healthcare organizations.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.