Free Long Distance Medical Transportation in Pocatello, ID - Shudl & MTM Services
At Shudl, we understand the importance of reliable transportation for medical appointments, especially when they’re far from home. That’s why we’ve partnered with MTM to provide free long-distance Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services in Pocatello, ID.
Through MTM and Medicaid, Shudl can serve members in the Pocatello, ID area with free Long-distance transportation services when medically necessary. But MTM has rules in place to ensure that members do not abuse this option. Shudl has much experience with these types of rides and is always available to assist you in setting them up. In this article we will share some of the tips and tricks for requesting a ride to your next out of town appointment.
What is Considered Long-Distance?
MTM’s most recent policy defines a long-distance ride as any ride more than 200 miles. If the location of your appointment is less than 200 miles away, you do not have to worry about any of the extra steps in this article.
Lead Time for a Long-Distance Ride
Long-Distance rides scheduled through MTM require verification from the referring doctor. They must fill out a “Distance Verification Form” to verify that you need to travel that far in order to receive the care that you need. Because of this required step, MTM needs at least 10 business days to process the request for your ride. We recommend starting the process as soon as you know about the appointment.
Common Issues with Communication
Unfortunately, the most common issue with long-distance rides is getting this form to MTM in a timely manner. MTM will collect contact information from you for your referring doctor and will take on the responsibility of getting the form to them on your behalf. We highly suggest doing this yourself. It is not uncommon for their to be complete silence after the dispatcher at MTM faxes over the form. Someone at the doctor’s office doesn’t know what it is or who its for, MTM has the wrong fax #, there was a problem with the fax transmission, etc. The list goes on and on. There is a link to the distance verification form below. Our recommendation is that you follow these steps to ensure that everything is completed as it is supposed to be:
- Print it or email it to your doctor’s office and call them about it.
- Follow up with your doctor’s office to ensure that it was completed and sent to MTM.
- Follow up with MTM to ensure that they received it.
- Follow up with MTM and with the assigned transportation provider (hopefully Shudl) leading up to the appointment. If MTM is telling you that they see the ride, but the transportation provider is not, this is likely because the distance verification form either was not received or has not been processed.
Other requests on Long-Distance Rides
When you call MTM to setup the ride you can also ask them about reimbursement for meals, and lodging requests. If either is required you need to request it beforehand.
Conclusion
At Shudl, we’re committed to making your long-distance medical trips as stress-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our free long-distance rides for medical appointments through MTM.
Remember, your health is our priority. Let us take care of your transportation so you can focus on your health.