Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the seven recommendations included in our initial audit report, Non-Emergency Patient Transportation Services (Report 2008-N-3).

Background

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is the largest municipal hospital and health care system in the country. HHC operates 11 acute care hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers, and more than 70 community health or school-based clinics. HHC provides livery/taxi, ambulette, and ambulance transportation to patients who require non-emergency transportation for healthcare-related services. These services must be authorized in advance by the patient's physician. The Corporation paid $2.7 million for non-emergency patient transportation during fiscal year 2013.We identified a number of weaknesses, including a lack of documentation for physician authorization of patient transportation and instances where trips were not billed at the correct rates. We also found that three of the 14 drivers working for one of the providers had criminal histories that may have put the safety of HHC patients at risk. The objective of our follow-up was to assess the extent of implementation, as of July 18, 2013 of the seven recommendations included in our initial report.

Key Finding

HHC officials have made progress in addressing the matters identified in our initial report. Of the seven prior audit recommendations, six recommendations have been implemented, and one recommendation was not implemented.  

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation: Non-Emergency Patient Transportation Services (2008-N-3)