Today we’re excited to announce new integrations with healthcare communication company, Relatient, aimed at increasing access to healthcare by overcoming the barrier that annually prevents approximately 3.6 million Americans from receiving health care: lack of transportation.

Through this partnership, the Uber app will be fully integrated into text and email messages to patients delivered by Relatient. Example messages include appointment reminders, follow up care coordination, patient balance information and preventative care prompts — like reminding a patient with a heart condition to schedule an EKG.

Plus, while riding to an appointment in an Uber, patients will receive a message to check in with their provider, so that all necessary paperwork is complete when they arrive. And they will receive a link to a patient satisfaction survey to complete on their Uber ride home.

“Patients who miss medical appointments or have to reschedule at the last minute frequently cite transportation as a factor. We’re very excited about the collaboration with Relatient because it will give people a simple way to plan their appointments and ensure they always have access to a reliable ride when they need one.” 

— Rob Daniel, Product Partnerships Lead at Uber

In honor of the integration, Uber and Relatient are sponsoring a“Ride To Health™ Week,” from August 22 to August 26. Anyone in the US who requests an Uber through Relatient to get to or from an appointment with a participating provider during that week will receive a discount off their ride.

In addition to the negative impact a missed appoint has on an individual’s health outcome, there is a high cost associated with missed appointments on the overall healthcare system.

“Missed appointments lead to risks that could be averted. According to the National Commission on Prevention Priorities, 100,000 people die each year because of lack of access to preventative care services, like screenings for hypertension, cholesterol and certain cancers. There’s no doubt that solving the transportation problem will save lives. It will also mean more financially sound health organizations. For example, it’s not unusual for a doctor to average four missed appointments per day, amounting to roughly $150,000 in lost revenue per doctor every year. For large medical practices, this quickly adds up to millions of dollars.” 

— Sam Johnson, CEO of Relatient

Learn more about how you can participate in “Ride to Health™ Week” online and together we can drive towards a healthier future!