9 ms·

Probably because that’s what an ambulance is for but taking one will bankrupt the average citizen.

mkopinsky 8y ago
No, going to a doctor's appointment isn't what an ambulance is for. The comment specifically said "non-urgent". But when patients miss appointments because they can't get there or afford $20 for an Uber, the health system loses a lot more than $20, so it's worth it financially for them to partner with Uber/Lyft to get patients to appointments.
- wcarron 8y ago
  I understand the economic principle of increasing revenue, and I agree that this partnership is worth it financially; but honestly, who the fuck cares about the health care system not getting revenue? Providing transportation for patients is so that __people can get healthcare__! A hospital/HCSP not making a few hundred/thousand is completely insignificant when compared to the real problem: People can't get healthcare or can't get to it. I just take issue with this viewpoint where the concern for the dollar is placed before people's needs.
- JohnJamesRambo 8y ago
  Ah yes, I guess the specific Uber program mentioned is for non-urgent cases, I apologize. But anecdotally I know of many cases where Uber is being used instead of ambulances. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/upshot/uber-lyft-and-the-urgency-of-saving-money-on-ambulances.html https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/upshot/uber-lyft-and-the-... https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/when-should-you-uber-to-the-hospital-and-when-should-you-call-an-ambulance.html https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/when-should-you-uber-to...
  - SilasX 8y ago
    The comment[1]'s only line was indicating that this was for non-urgent cases. But yes, it was disturbing when Tesla was using Ubers for people who had exposed bone. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19400560 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19400560
weego 8y ago
Ambulances are absolutely not for non-urgent, non-critical situations and being able to auto-schedule a ride at time of appointment creation is a positive addition.

No, going to a doctor's appointment isn't what an ambulance is for. The comment specifically said "non-urgent". But when patients miss appointments because they can't get there or afford $20 for an Uber, the health system loses a lot more than $20, so it's worth it financially for them to partner with Uber/Lyft to get patients to appointments.

wcarron 8y ago
I understand the economic principle of increasing revenue, and I agree that this partnership is worth it financially; but honestly, who the fuck cares about the health care system not getting revenue? Providing transportation for patients is so that __people can get healthcare__! A hospital/HCSP not making a few hundred/thousand is completely insignificant when compared to the real problem: People can't get healthcare or can't get to it. I just take issue with this viewpoint where the concern for the dollar is placed before people's needs.
JohnJamesRambo 8y ago
Ah yes, I guess the specific Uber program mentioned is for non-urgent cases, I apologize. But anecdotally I know of many cases where Uber is being used instead of ambulances. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/upshot/uber-lyft-and-the-urgency-of-saving-money-on-ambulances.html https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/upshot/uber-lyft-and-the-... https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/when-should-you-uber-to-the-hospital-and-when-should-you-call-an-ambulance.html https://slate.com/technology/2018/02/when-should-you-uber-to...
- SilasX 8y ago
  The comment[1]'s only line was indicating that this was for non-urgent cases. But yes, it was disturbing when Tesla was using Ubers for people who had exposed bone. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19400560 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19400560

weego 8y ago

Ambulances are absolutely not for non-urgent, non-critical situations and being able to auto-schedule a ride at time of appointment creation is a positive addition.