Each year, nearly 3.6 million medical patients in the United States miss or delay appointments due to transportation issues, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
This causes issues with medical schedulers and the patients’ health.
That’s where Veyo comes in. The ride-share company partnered with Medicaid to provide transportation to nonemergency medical appointments.
The San Diego-based Veyo uses similar technology to Uber or Lyft but separates itself because of its accessibility to riders.
“People going to appointments have all sorts of different needs to think about,” says Stanton Sipes, Veyo vice president of business development.
“They could need wheelchairs, assistance walking, a certain type of seat or a variety of other things. Our drivers and what we pick them up in are equipped for that.”
Veyo has more than 3,000 drivers in Arizona and has completed over 6 million rides here. Sipes says Veyo tries to be as reliable as possible because medical appointments are on a strict timeline.
“We created transparency but also the power of having a ride share fleet of drivers that are credentialed, trained and informed on what they need to do and when to get the patient to their appointment,” Sipes says.
Veyo vets its drivers well, requiring drug tests, background screenings, vehicle inspections and first-aid certification. Other ride-service services don’t necessarily subscribe to that.
“We hope the care we take with our drivers, and the way customers are in the know, relieves some of that anxiety booking a ride could have caused in the past,” Sipes says.
Right now, the company only provides rides for Medicaid patients, or those receiving government or private assistance with health care. Until its services expand, the company hopes to make its best impression on local riders with drivers like Michael Dunfee of Scottsdale. He—and Veyo officials—stress treating passengers with respect, kindness and empathy. The retired international airlines district sales manager says driving for Veyo is a win-win because he’s showing kindness and giving good karma.
“We’re dealing with people who are very, very ill,” Dunfee says. “Many of them are shut-ins, but I only see a human being. Veyo is a wonderful company to work for. The passengers are nicer. You’re not dealing with intoxicated or entitled people. Veyo passengers are very, very appreciative of being picked up.
“A little kindness goes a long way.”
For more information visit veyo.com.
