If you operate a medical transport company, you know that it’s essential to provide the highest level of care to your patients. One way to document and prove to your clients, patients and other stakeholders that you’re meeting the industry’s highest standards is through accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary process that medical transport providers can undertake to demonstrate their commitment to quality care. In this blog, we’ll explore the three industry standard accreditation organizations: CAMTS, EURAMI, and NAAMTA.
CAMTS
CAMTS stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. CAMTS accreditation is recognized as the gold standard for medical transport providers. CAMTS evaluates medical transport companies based on a set of standards that cover every aspect of their operation, including medical equipment, staff training, and safety procedures. CAMTS is ANSI accredited.
Transport programs with varying modes can achieve CAMTS accreditation. This includes: ground, rotor, fixed wing, commercial medical escort, etc.
To become CAMTS accredited, a medical transport company must complete a rigorous evaluation process that includes an administrative audit and a site visit by a team of evaluators. The evaluators will review the company’s policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure that they meet or exceed the CAMTS standards.
To be eligible, CAMTS requires the transport program to be operational for at least 1 year and have transported at least 12 patients in the last 12 months in their primary mode of transport. It is of interest that medical transport professionals are required to obtain their industry standard specialty certification within 1 year of hire.
Benefits of CAMTS Accreditation
CAMTS accreditation is highly respected in the medical transport industry. It demonstrates that a company has met or exceeded the highest standards for safety, quality, and patient care. CAMTS accreditation can also help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace, making it more attractive to patients and insurance providers. Additionally, many insurance companies require CAMTS accreditation before they will consider a company for insurance coverage.
EURAMI
EURAMI stands for the European Aero-Medical Institute. Like CAMTS, EURAMI accreditation is highly respected in the medical transport industry. However, EURAMI is specifically focused on air medical transport providers operating within (or to) Europe, including commercial medical escort.
To become EURAMI accredited, a company must complete a rigorous evaluation process that includes an on-site visit by a team of evaluators. The evaluators will review the company’s policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure that they meet or exceed the EURAMI standards.
EURAMI will audit programs for accreditation that have completed at least 250 flights. There are exceptions to this minimum requirement and we are happy to help you navigate this.
Benefits of EURAMI Accreditation
EURAMI accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality care and patient safety. It can also help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract more patients and insurance providers. Additionally, some European countries and clients require EURAMI accreditation before a company can operate within their borders.
EURAMI awards accreditation to transport programs with varied scope of practice. These include: intercontinental operations, adult/pediatric/neonatal critical care, etc.
NAAMTA
NAAMTA stands for the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications and is recognized as a credible and valuable standard for medical transport providers in the United States.
To become NAAMTA accredited, a company must be operational for at least 6 months and complete a rigorous evaluation process that includes an on-site visit by a team of evaluators. The evaluators will review the company’s policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure that they meet or exceed the NAAMTA standards. NAAMTA is ISO accredited.
Benefits of NAAMTA Accreditation
NAAMTA accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality care and patient safety. It can also help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract more patients and insurance providers. Additionally, some insurance companies require NAAMTA accreditation before they will consider a company for insurance coverage.
NAAMTA’s ongoing compliance program is simple to follow. The NAAMTA team is constantly engaging with the transport program to ensure continued success.
Comparing CAMTS, EURAMI and NAAMTA
CAMTS, EURAMI, and NAAMTA all have similar accreditation processes, but there are some differences. For example, CAMTS requires flight nurses and paramedics to obtain their specialty certifications within 1 year of hire, while EURAMI is specifically focused on air medical transport providers operating in Europe. NAAMTA’s minimum operational requirement for accreditation is less than that of CAMTS and EURAMI, making it a good option for newer transport programs.
When choosing an accreditation organization, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your medical transport company. You should also consider the geographic area in which you operate and the insurance providers you work with. Choosing the right accreditation organization can help you demonstrate your commitment to quality care and patient safety while also making your company more attractive to patients and insurance providers.
Conclusion
Obtaining accreditation is big decision. It requires a commitment of time, money and other resources like personnel. The entire accreditation preparation process can take months to years and requires dedication from the entire team. Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance can help simplify the process.
If you are not sure if you meet the minimum requirements for accreditation, or to learn how Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance can help you obtain accreditation, reach out today.