Lyft expands healthcare offerings

Rideshare company Lyft is growing its healthcare business.

Lyft’s latest deal is with Circulation, an on-demand non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) startup with more than 1,000 clients in healthcare facilities nationwide. Circulation allows hospitals and other medical facilities to schedule one-time or recurring rides for patients. NEMT offers Medicaid beneficiaries a reliable and affordable way to get to doctor’s appointments.

Circulation matches customers with the transportation option to fit their needs, such as wheelchair assistance or caregiver accompaniment. Circulation users can now schedule Lyft rides directly through Circulation’s on-demand patient transportation platform. Uber has been a partner since the beginning.

“Transportation should be the last thing people need to worry about when getting to healthcare appointments,” said Gyre Renwick, vice president of Lyft Business in a press release. “Circulation seamlessly connects to Lyft’s API, making it easy for health facilities to request a Lyft ride when they need one. Together, we’re working to remove transportation barriers that previously stood in the way of getting people the care they need.”

Circulation estimates nearly 3.6 million patients miss medical appointments in America each year because of transportation.  The company estimates it has reduced no-show appointments from 20-25 percent to 8 percent since its launch last year.

Lyft has also signed partnerships with RoundTrip, LogistiCare, National MedTrans, CareMore Health System and American Medical Response. Lyft and Cigna partnered for the insurance company’s Medicare Advantage plan Cigna-HealthSpring.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.