Every healthcare system faces unique challenges. However, looking beyond our borders for inspiration can spark new ideas. Countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia offer practical approaches that have led to more coordinated care, better use of real-time data, greater access in rural and urban settings, and more optimized patient experiences.


While not perfect systems, some of their practices offer measurable results. Many of them are highly applicable and crucial for the U.S. market, especially for improving efficiency and equity in medical transportation and home healthcare for the aging population.

Global Strategies with U.S. Potential:

  • Primary Care as the True Foundation: High-performing systems integrate primary care networks that serve as the entry point for most care needs. This reduces reliance on acute care and optimizes resource allocation.
  • Real Interoperability Across Systems: Digital systems communicate seamlessly. Providers, payers, and patients securely share data, enabling more timely and accurate decisions. This is vital in the U.S. where fragmented systems lead to inefficiencies in areas like NEMT and home health.
  • Data-Driven Governance and Real-Time Decision-Making: Dashboards, indicators, and predictive tools help organizations stay ahead of demand, manage resources effectively, and identify early warnings. This real-time visibility is key to overcoming logistical challenges in patient transport and field operations.
  • Patient-Centered Service Design: Processes are built around the person receiving care—from communication to scheduling to follow-up—not just internal workflows. This contrasts with current NEMT satisfaction issues where timeliness and communication are pain points.

Why This Matters for the U.S.

While regulations, funding, and infrastructure differ, many of these ideas are adaptable to American health systems with the right leadership and local context. We don't need to copy other systems, but we can learn from what's working.


Adopting integrated digital platforms that provide real-time data, optimize field operations, and enhance coordination can transform care delivery. This approach aligns with successful global strategies by making care more efficient, equitable, and patient-centric for the evolving U.S. healthcare landscape, particularly as the aging population grows and demand for "value care" increases.


Sometimes, the right question is, "What could we do differently, starting tomorrow?"