Mobile medical vehicles services break down barriers to preventive care.
Access to preventive health screenings and wellness services has long been an issue for millions of Americans. Distance to the nearest provider, transportation, and cost have all presented challenges for many people seeking healthcare.
But something new and different is happening…
Mobile medical vehicles services are reversing this trend. Mobile healthcare is delivering needed medical services to patients where they live and work. The result is more equitable healthcare access and positive patient outcomes.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The Benefits of Mobile Healthcare
- Why Preventive Care is Crucial Right Now
- How Mobile Medical Vehicles Are Expanding Access
- Mobile Healthcare Reduces Costs in the Long Run
- Choosing the Best Mobile Healthcare Partner
1. The Benefits of Mobile Healthcare
Mobile healthcare is medical service provided through custom-equipped vehicles.
These include buses, vans, RVs, and trailers that have been designed and outfitted for medical use. Mobile clinics may be standalone or supplement brick-and-mortar facilities.
Here’s one way to look at it…
Instead of patients driving hours for a doctor’s appointment, the clinic comes to them. Mobile healthcare eliminates transportation as a barrier to care.
In a study published by the International Journal for Equity in Health, researchers estimated that 2,000 mobile clinics are now in operation in the United States. Collectively, these clinics serve an estimated 7 million at-risk patients every year.
That’s a significant number of people who would otherwise go without care. By investing in quality mobile healthcare solutions, healthcare organizations can connect with the people they are otherwise unable to reach.
2. Why Preventive Care is Crucial Right Now
Preventive healthcare is the foundation of good health.
This includes health screenings, vaccinations, wellness checkups, and chronic disease management. When people receive consistent preventive care, problems can be identified early before they require expensive emergency treatment.
The reality is…
Patients frequently forgo preventive care. They work during clinic hours. They have childcare responsibilities. Transportation challenges prevent them from leaving home. All these factors create significant barriers to receiving care during regular business hours.
Mobile healthcare upends this paradigm. By situating vehicles at locations that make sense to patients like community centers, places of worship, workplaces, and parking lots, providers can eliminate scheduling conflicts and accessibility challenges.
Some common services provided by mobile clinics include:
- Prevention screenings for diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more
- Primary care checkups and consults
- Dental care including cleanings and basic procedures
- Vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and other preventable diseases
- Health coaching and wellness education
Powerful stuff, right?
3. How Mobile Medical Vehicles are Expanding Access
The power of mobile medical vehicles is that they can go almost anywhere.
Building and staffing traditional brick-and-mortar facilities is a multi-million-dollar proposition. These buildings are also limited by their fixed locations.
Mobile clinics offer flexibility. They are able to go where the need is greatest.
Rural communities often lack hospitals or clinics within a reasonable driving distance. Urban areas may have healthcare facilities, but many residents do not visit due to transportation and trust issues. Mobile medical vehicles can reach these patients where they live, work, and congregate.
In research published by Tulane University, the authors noted that 45% of mobile clinics offer prevention screening services. Another 42% of mobile clinics provide primary care services. In other words, the vehicles most commonly offer the services that directly impact wellness and help patients avoid expensive ER visits.
One other fact…
Mobile clinics are not just available for anyone. They intentionally serve the populations that are most in need. The study cited above found that 56% of mobile clinics exclusively target the uninsured. Another 55% of mobile clinics exist to serve low-income communities.
This highly focused approach to resource distribution allows mobile healthcare to reach those that would otherwise fall through the cracks.
4. Mobile Healthcare Reduces Costs in the Long Run
Mobile healthcare is not only good for patients and populations. It’s also good for the financial health of the entire healthcare ecosystem.
Emergency room visits cost tens of thousands of dollars. When people do not have access to preventive care, simple health issues turn into dire emergencies. A blood pressure screening can avert a stroke. An early diagnosis of diabetes can prevent years of complications.
The data bears this out.
For each mobile clinic that serves patients, an average of 600 ER visits are prevented. That’s a tremendous cost savings for hospitals, insurance companies, and patients. Mobile vehicles offer prevention services at a fraction of the lifetime cost of chronic conditions.
Here’s why this matters for healthcare organizations that are evaluating mobile healthcare investments:
- Operating mobile clinics cost far less than building and maintaining physical buildings
- Mobile vehicles can be deployed to meet the unique needs of different communities
- Mobile clinics can respond to sudden surges in demand due to health crises
- Consistent community presence helps to build trust and rapport with patients
The financial argument for mobile medical vehicles services is clear. Healthcare organizations can achieve better results at a lower cost. All the while reaching the patients who most need care.
5. Choosing the Best Mobile Healthcare Partner
Not all mobile medical vehicles are created equal.
Quality mobile clinics are custom-built to address unique healthcare needs. They include the necessary medical equipment and supplies, as well as climate control, accessibility, and telehealth technology for virtual doctor visits.
When considering mobile healthcare solutions, keep these things in mind:
- Vehicle layout and design must accommodate your intended services
- Equipment and supplies must meet medical standards
- Quality manufacturing and build materials for long-term durability
- Options for customization to suit your community’s needs
Investing in a mobile clinic is an investment in your organization’s mission for years to come. A well-built vehicle can serve thousands of patients annually while proudly representing your organization in the community.
Wrapping It Up
Mobile medical vehicles are one of the most effective ways to increase access to preventive healthcare.
Transportation, cost, and access are no longer barriers. Mobile medical vehicles reduce costs for both patients and providers. At the same time, they earn trust by coming to meet people where they are.
Healthcare is changing. Healthcare organizations that do not invest in mobile healthcare will find it challenging to connect with underserved populations.
Quick recap:
- Across the United States, mobile clinics serve an estimated 7 million patients annually
- Mobile clinics provide preventive screenings, primary care, and other services
- Mobile healthcare targets uninsured and low-income communities
- Mobile clinics can save hundreds of emergency room visits per year
- Custom-designed mobile clinics are best
We have a mountain of evidence that mobile healthcare works. For communities that struggle with healthcare access, mobile medical vehicles are an evidence-based solution that actually gets results. The question is no longer if mobile healthcare is effective. Instead, it’s how fast can organizations adopt these solutions to help the people who need it most.
