Call the Car

09/25/2025

Safety is a Top Priority ✅

When it comes to non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), not all rides are equal. At Call the Car, we follow strict safety standards to ensure every ride is reliable, secure and patient-focused.

Here’s what sets us apart:

🚑 CPR & First Aid Training – Our drivers are trained to respond in case of an emergency and support with a patient’s care on the go, assisting caregivers if needed.

♿ Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles – Because accessibility matters for every patient.

🛡 HIPAA Compliance – Your health information stays safe and private, and we follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure we are delivering the highest standards of care.

If you have any questions about safety in NEMT, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

09/18/2025

What makes a High Quality NEMT Brokerage?

A high-quality brokerage stands out by delivering reliable, member-focused services while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and strong relationships with providers.

Here are the key traits:

✅Reliability & On Time Performance: Ensuring patients get to and from medical appointments on time, every time. Tracking metrics like missed trips and no-shows to improve service.

📊 Strong Network Management: Maintaining a diverse, well-vetted provider network, balancing coverage, availability, and quality.

🚦Efficient Dispatch & Trip Management: Using smart scheduling, GPS tracking, and real-time dispatching to avoid delays and optimize routes.

🔐 Compliance & Data Security: Follows HIPAA, ADA, and Medicaid guidelines rigorously.

📈 Transparency & Accountability: Providing clear performance reports to state agencies, health plans, and partners.

09/17/2025

NEMTAC offers the only national accreditation program for non-emergency medical transportation providers in the US.

As one of the earliest adopters of NEMTAC, Call the Car is committed to doing this the right way, but what does the accreditation show we deliver? Here are some of Call the Car’s commitments:

* Developed and implemented written policies that cover safety, training, operations, maintenance, HIPAA compliance, and customer service.

* Maintained accurate driver and staff records

* Ensure all active vehicles are compliant

* Actively participating in local healthcare networks, transportation associations, and professional development opportunities.

We’re proud to be a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission, Inc accredited organization at Call the Car! Here’s a photo of last year’s accreditation being awarded to our Senior Director of Operations, Kurt Tomongin.

09/15/2025

🚨 Myth: “Medicaid covers everything”

In NEMT, we hear this all the time. While Medicaid does provide transportation benefits, access isn’t automatic, or easy, or without gaps. Here’s what Medicaid does cover:

🔹Basic NEMT trips to and from medical appointments such as doctor’s visits, therapy, dialysis, and mental health services.

🔹Coverage includes accessible vehicles (wheelchair vans) if medically necessary.

But what’s the catch?

🗓️ Pre-Authorization is Often Required

🗺️ Coverage Varies by State

🚫 Not All Providers Accept Medicaid

🏥 No Coverage for “Non-Medical” Needs


So how do we resolve this? Make sure you always check with your health plan provider what your coverage includes before booking any NEMT trips!

09/12/2025

One of the biggest myths in NEMT is NEMT is just like a taxi or rideshare service.

However, while it may look similar, NEMT is highly regulated and tailored to patients with medical or mobile needs. NEMT isn’t just about getting someone to the destination – it’s about ensuring patients arrive safely, on time, and with the support they need.

Here’s how NEMT stands apart:

🚑 Trained Drivers

🦽 Vehicle Accessibility

📋 Medical Scheduling Integration

📞 Service Coordination

💊 Purpose-Driven

If you have any questions about NEMT, please let us know in the comments below.

09/11/2025

What Is Preventive Care — And Why Does It Matter?🛡️

Preventive care focuses on keeping you healthy by identifying and addressing potential health issues before symptoms appear. This includes regular check-ups 🩺, vaccinations 💉, health screenings 🧪, dental visits 🦷, and mental health evaluations🧠.

It’s important because it helps catch problems early, prevents long-term illness, and can reduce the need for costly treatments later 💸. In many cases, preventive services are covered at no cost through Medi-Cal or other insurance plans ✅.

Taking advantage of preventive care means you're prioritizing your health today — and protecting it for the future. Don’t wait until you feel sick. 🗓️ Schedule your preventive visit and encourage your loved ones to do the same ❤️.

09/08/2025

Understanding California’s Leadership in NEMT Access 🔎

Did you know that California was one of the first states to include Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) in its Medicaid program (Medi-Cal)?

Why? Because missing medical appointments due to a lack of transportation is a serious barrier. But what are the key moments in California’s NEMT Evolution?

🚗 2016: Introduction of non-medical transportation (NMT): Expanded services include rides to mental health and substance use disorder appointments, not just physical health.

🤝 Shift to Managed Care: More Medi-Cal beneficiaries began receiving transportation services through managed care plans, improving coordination and access.

🔎 Oversight by DHCS (Department of Health Care Services): California’s DHCS continues to guide and refine transportation access, aiming to reduce health disparities.

As the healthcare system evolves, transportation remains a key social determinant of health, and expanding and improving NEMT/NMT services means fewer missed appointments and better health outcomes.

09/04/2025

Transforming Transportation Access: Call the Car’s Interview with NEMTAC.

A few months ago, our Senior Director of Operations, Kurt Tomongin, sat down with Joel Smith at NEMTAC to reflect on how adopting nationally recognized standards has strengthened our operational performance, enhanced safety, and improved the overall member experience.

As one of the first companies to receive accreditation from Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission, Inc, Call the Car has consistently upheld the highest standards of safety, service, and professionalism. Accreditation is not just a credential for us—it’s a commitment to delivering care with excellence and accountability every single day.

We’re proud to share the full interview here:

Join us for a brief spotlight on Call the Car, a leading non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider, as they share their experience with NEMTAC Acc...

09/03/2025

Call the Car was proud to sponsor the Living Beauty Cancer Foundation’s 8th Annual Golf Classic Tournament and its auction again this year.

The Living Beauty Golf Classic has grown to become a much-anticipated annual event hosted at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club and raises significant funds for the Living Beauty Cancer Foundation’s causes.

Founded in 2025 by Amie Satchu - a great friend of Call the Car, the Living Beauty Cancer Foundation provides holistic, free-of-charge support to women affected by cancer, with the funds from this year’s Golf Classic supporting the delivery of their wellness programs.

This includes wellness retreats, community-building events, and sisterhood gatherings – helping women feel less isolated and more connected amidst their cancer treatment.

Some of our Call the Car team also took part in this year’s event. Here are some of our favorite photos from the day.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! 💙

Today, we honor the dedication, resilience, and hard work of those who keep our communities moving forward.

At Call the Car, we’re especially thankful for:

🚙Our drivers and care coordinators, who go above and beyond to ensure members get to their appointments safely and on time.

🏥Our healthcare partners, who tirelessly care for those who need it most.

📞Our customer service team, who bring compassion and care to every interaction.

👏Every member of our workforce, whose commitment helps build stronger, healthier communities across California.

Labor Day is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of the people whose efforts shape our future. Today, we celebrate you.

08/28/2025

At Call the Car, we believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and that starts with raising awareness and supporting those affected by kidney disease.

The Southern California Kidney Walk, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation, is more than just a walk – it’s a powerful movement to fund lifesaving research, patient education, and support services for the millions battling kidney disease.

All efforts help to improve early detection and treatment and promote kidney health education across communities.

So, how can you help? Call the Car is sponsoring the Southern California Kidney Walk for the eighth consecutive year and is aiming to hit a $6,000 goal. If you would like to donate, fundraise, or take part, please click here: https://www.kidneywalk.org/socal/CTC.

08/26/2025

Safe, Reliable Transportation for Seniors with Mobility Challenges

Getting to a medical appointment shouldn’t be stressful, especially for seniors who use walkers, canes or wheelchairs.

So, what should a high-quality non-emergency medical transportation brokerage provide to best support those with mobility challenges?

📍Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
📍Door to Door Assistance
📍Trained Patient Drivers