The non-medical transportation business is a business that provides transportation and medical care for patients. These services are usually provided during a medical emergency, and they are also used for non-emergency medical transportation services.
The ambulances are usually equipped with lifesaving equipment and are operated by medically trained employees i.e., nurses and doctors et al. The non-emergency medical transportation market size was estimated at USD 1,538.22 million in 2021, expected to reach USD 1,728.19 million in 2023, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.84% to reach USD 2,557.81 million by 2027.
Steps on How to Start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation in Florida
Table of Contents
Conduct Market Research
When starting a non-emergency medical transportation business, you would need to do market research to help you maximize profits from the business. The first step in the market research process is to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objectives.
You should source information that will help you maximize your business, get data that will give you information on what your potential market will be looking out for, and also help you operate a non-emergency medical transportation business with less stress.
a. Who is the Target Market for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- Elderly people
- Expectant mothers
- Injured sportsmen and women
- Disable/physically challenged people
- People with mental/psychiatric challenges
b. Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business a Profitable Business in Florida?
Yes, the non-emergency medical transportation business is a profitable business. Salaries range from $25 to $60 per hour, depending on the state. So if you work up to 20 hours a week at a rate of $25/hour, you will make about $500 a week, $2,000 to $240,000 a month.
c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?
No, there are no existing niches in the non-emergency medical transportation business.
d. Who are the Major Competitors in Florida?
- OnTrack Transport Services, LLC
- Florida Medical Transport
- TransMedCare Long Distance Medical Transport
- ITDV Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- Stellar Transport
- Metro Medical Transport Inc.
- Medical City Transportation
- ACC Medlink Long Distance Medical Transport & Air Ambulance
- Leopard Medical Transport
- Apollo Medical Transport
- Freedom Medical Transport
- ATC Medical Transport
- We Care Specialty Transport
- Medicab Transportation
- AMC Medical Transportation
- Owl Transportation Inc.
- Florida Medical Transportation
- Peelers Medical Transport
- Front Line Transport Emerald Coast
- iTransport Services, Inc.
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Businesses in Florida?
Yes, there are county and state regulations for non-emergency medical transportation businesses in Florida. For example, to ensure the availability of non-emergency medical transportation services throughout the state, a provider licensed by the county or operating under a permit issued by the county may not be required to use a vehicle that is larger than that needed to transport the number of persons being transported or that is inconsistent with the medical condition of the individuals receiving the non-emergency medical transportation services.
f. Is There a Franchise for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
Yes, there are franchise opportunities for non-emergency medical transportation businesses. Here are some of them;
- Caliber care+transport franchise
- Medex patient transport
- Stellar transport
- Caliber patient care franchise.
g. What Do You Need to Start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- A feasibility report
- Business and marketing plans
- Non-emergency medical transport business licenses and permits
- Ambulette or bus
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (at least a Class B CDL)
- Insurance
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
- Operational capital
Memorable Business Name Ideas for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business
When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.
Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a non emergency medical transportation business are;
Creative Non Emergency Medical Transportation Business Name ideas
- Coral Springs © Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Ben Jonhson® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- Reliable© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Medic Solutions® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Yellow Leaf™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Green Line™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC.
- Jeffrey Jones© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- Sean Perry® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Andrew Tyrone© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Bolton Clarkson© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Godwin Trans® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- New Brow® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- Bourn Mort ™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- Brown Williams© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Morning Rise® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Ricky White™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Steve Bobs™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Joel Tyrone© Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
- Jeff® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, LLC
- Remmy Jones™ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc.
Register Your Business
a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company?
There are several options when it comes to the business structure of a non-emergency medical transportation business, they include; sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. But the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is considered because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits.
Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.
b. Steps to Form an LLC
- Choose a name for your LLC.
- File articles of organization
- Choose a registered agent
- Decide on member vs. manager management
- Create an LLC operating agreement
- Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements
- File annual reports.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- Non-Emergency Medical Transport Business License
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (at least a Class B CDL)
- Zonal Permits
- Signage Permit
- Operational State Facility Inspections for your parking
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- The Certified Transport Specialist (CTS)
- EMT certifications
- Basic CPR and First Aid Certifications
- Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity (PASS) Trainer and Driver Certification.
e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
These are some of the legal documents that are required if you want to run a non-emergency medical transportation business in Florida;
- DBA
- EIN
- Business and liability insurance
- Federal Tax Payer’s ID
- State Permit and Building Approval (For your parking)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (at least a Class B CDL)
- Non-Emergency Medical Transport Business License
- Business Plan
- Operating Agreement for LLCs
- Insurance Policy
- Online Terms of Use
- Online Privacy Policy Document
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?
When starting a non-emergency medical transportation business in Florida, there may not be a need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. The nature of the business makes it possible to run the business without having cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.
Cost Analysis and Budgeting
a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
The startup cost of the non-emergency medical transportation business in Florida varies since there are some factors that can influence the cost. These factors include; the number of ambulettes, the size, and the brand and model of the ambulettes. But generally, the cost ranges from $200,000– $600,000.
b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- The fee for registering the business in the United States – $725.
- The budget for legal fees, insurance, permits, and license – $5,000
- The cost of leasing a facility – $100,000
- Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
- Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
- The cost of the purchase of ambulettes – $150,000.
- Cost of payment of salaries for the first 3 months of operation – $50,000
- The cost of launching an official website – $600
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- The size of the non-emergency medical transportation business (number of ambulettes and to start the business with)
- The choice of location
- The required licenses and permits
- The cost of branding, promotion, and marketing of the non-emergency medical transportation business
- The cost of equipping the non-emergency medical transportation business
- The cost of the insurance policy covers
- The cost of registering the business
- Cost of recruiting and training your staff
- The cost of the purchase and customizing of uniforms
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?
It is not compulsory to build a new facility for non-emergency medical transportation businesses, but if you have the required finance, you can build a parking facility and administrative office. Building or reconstructing a facility will help you come up with a facility that will fit into your business goals and vision.
e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- Gas and lubricants
- Essential medical supplies (hand gloves, face mask, hand sanitizer, and sterilizers et al)
- Salaries of employees
- Ambulettes maintenance
- Insurance
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
- Chief Operating Officer (Owner) – $68,000 Per year
- Admin and HR Manager – $48,000 Per year
- Transport and Logistics Manager – $48,000 Per year
- Nurse’s Aides/Paramedics – $40,000 Per year
- Ambulette Drivers – $36,800 Per year
- Customer Service Officer (Receptionist) – $26,100 Per year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- Raising money from personal savings
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell shares to interested investors
- Applying for a loan from your bank
- Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
- Source for loans from your family members and friends.
Write a Business Plan
a. Executive Summary
Saint Cloud® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc. is a registered and licensed non-emergency medical transportation company that will be based in Saint Cloud, Florida. We are in business to provide transportation alongside non-medical care for patients who are seeking to access medical facilities. We will provide daily services all around Saint Cloud and across Florida in the nearest future.
Saint Cloud® Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Inc. has been able to secure all relevant licenses and permits to operate in Florida. We will ensure that we abide by all the rules guiding the non-emergency medical transportation industry and also hire experienced and qualified drivers with valid commercial driver’s licenses to handle our ambulettes.
b. Products and Service
- Nonemergency surface ambulance services
- Nonemergency air ambulance services (in the nearest future)
- Nursing aide (CPR and first aid) services
c. Mission Statement
Our mission is to ensure that we build a successful non-emergency medical transportation company that will operate not just in Saint Cloud but also in Florida.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to become one of the preferred choices when it comes to the demand for non-emergency medical transportation in Florida.
d. Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives of a non-emergency medical transportation business are to provide transportation alongside medical care for patients either by ground or air. The truth is that non-emergency medical transportation services are essential for disadvantaged Medicaid recipients, the elderly, those who have a form of disability or other, and even those with low incomes who have no form of transportation to access healthcare services when the need arises.
e. Organizational Structure
- Chief Operating Officer (Owner)
- Admin and HR Manager
- Transport and Logistics Manager
- Nurses/Nurse’s Aides/Paramedics
- Marketing and Sales Executive (Business Developer)
- Accountant
- Ambulette Drivers
- Customer Service Officer (Receptionist)
Marketing Plan
a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
- Excellent operational history
- Attention to detail
- Accurate estimates with no hidden costs
- Experience and trained professionals
- Excellent customer testimonials
- Reliable and efficient ambulettes and service.
Weakness:
- Not enough existing clientele to run at full capacity immediately
- The owner is new to large-scale marketing
- We will need a loan to purchase ambulettes
- Lack of economies of scale.
Opportunities:
- A growing number of disadvantaged Medicaid recipients, the elderly, those who have a form of disability, and those with low incomes who have no form of transportation to access healthcare services when the need arises.
- Build upon existing clientele.
- Online market, services, technology, and the opening of new markets.
- Increase in the services offered by hospitals due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Threat:
- Loans diminish profitability until they are paid off
- The first year will be financially tight while we gain customers and pay off loans
- Competition in the area could increase
- Management of employees requires time, money, and efforts
- The transport department could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses.
b. How Do Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Companies Make Money?
Non-emergency medical transportation companies make money by providing transportation alongside medical care for patients.
c. Payment Options
- Payment via bank transfer
- Payment with cash
- Payment via credit cards/Point of Sale Machines (POS)
- Payment via online bank transfer
- Payment via check
- Payment via mobile money transfer
d. Sales and Advertising Strategies
- Introduce a non-emergency medical transportation business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to corporate organizations, hospitals, clinical labs, medical facilities, households, and key stakeholders in your state
- Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities, train stations et al.
- Use friends and family to inform people about your business
- Post information about your company and the services you offer on bulletin boards in places like schools and libraries
- Leverage on referral networks such as agencies that will attract clients who would need your services
- Advertise your business in relevant health magazines, newspapers, TV, and radio stations.
- Engage in a direct marketing approach
- Encourage the use of word-of-mouth from customers
Financial Projection
a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product?
Most non-emergency medical transportation companies charge an hourly rate. It ranges from less than $400 to $1,200 or more plus mileage.
b. How Much Profit Do Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business Owners Make a Year?
It depends, the report shows that on average, a non-emergency medical transportation company owner should net between $40,000 to over $60,000 per year with a steady clientele.
c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
- The capacity of the non-emergency medical transportation company (number of ambulettes owned)
- The location the non-emergency medical transportation company is covering
- The management style of the non-emergency medical transportation company
- The business approach of the non-emergency medical transportation company
- The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the non-emergency medical transportation company.
- The number of years the non-emergency medical transportation company is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company in Florida?
The profit margin of a non-emergency medical transportation business is not fixed. It could range from 20 percent to 45 percent depending on the distance of the patients to be transported.
e. What is the Sales Forecast?
First Fiscal Year (FY1):
- $100,000 (From Self – Pay Clients/Patients)
- $250,000 (From Health Insurance Companies)
Second Fiscal Year (FY2):
- $150,000 (From Self – Pay Clients/Patients)
- $300,000 (From Health Insurance Companies)
Third Fiscal Year (FY3):
- $200,000 (From Self – Pay Clients/Patients)
- $350,000 (From Health Insurance Companies)
Set Up your Shop/Office
a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- The demography of the location especially as it relates to the number of Medicaid recipients, the elderly, those who have form or disability or the other, and those with low incomes who have no form of transportation to access healthcare services when the need arises.
- The demand for the services offered by non-emergency medical transportation companies in the location
- Accessibility of the location
- The number of non-emergency medical transportation companies in the location
- The local laws and regulations in the community/state
- Traffic, parking and security et al
b. What City is Best to Open a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business in Florida?
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Pompano Beach, Florida
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- Bradenton, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Hialeah, Florida
- Riverview, Florida
- Saint Cloud, Florida.
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
You will need ambulettes and basic CPR and first aid equipment et al. You will also need computers or laptops, an internet facility, a telephone, and a fax machine.
Hire Employees
When hiring employees for a standard nonemergency medical transportation business, you should plan to hire a competent chief executive officer (you can occupy this position), admin and HR manager, transport and logistics manager, nurse aides and paramedics, accountant, ambulette drivers, and customer service officer (receptionist).
Launch the Business Proper
No non-emergency medical transportation company opens a business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business. You can do a soft opening party if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party. With a proper launching of the business, you will officially inform people in your city that your business is open.
a. What Makes a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Company Successful?
- Choose a good location and ambulette vans to launch the business
- Hire only competent, hardworking, and trustworthy staff
- Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
- Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your business
- Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your business.
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- The business is open for the day’s work
- The ambulettes are washed, cleaned, and ready for transporting patients
- Customer’s requests are taken and they are scheduled or attended to
- Schedule maintenance and servicing of ambulettes are carried out
- Administrative duties
- The business is closed for the day.
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business?
- First Aid, CPR, and BLS skills
- Good driving skills
- Customer services skills
- Interpersonal skill
- Business management skills
- Bargaining skill
- Work experience in the non-emergency medical transportation industry
- Experience in managing people
- Experience in business administration
- Experience in handling logistics and transportation software.