Why we are bringing healthcare to a transit hub

Health systems are breaking down common barriers that keep patients from receiving care with a variety of common strategies such as installing chatbots to help with more seamless scheduling, offering convenient virtual appointments, and expanding ambulatory care in more communities.

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett breaks down how New Jersey’s largest health system is taking a novel approach and bringing healthcare to one of the busiest train stations in the state.

How did you get the idea for this project and can you describe some of the services that will be available?

Robert C. Garrett: The $200 million project, called Metropark Health and Wellness Center, is one of the first centers of its kind in the U.S. We wanted to bring medical care to the 60,000 commuters who pass through the station monthly via NJ Transit and Amtrak. People can easily get prescriptions filled, do a blood test, go for imaging or receive urgent care steps away from the train platform or bus depot, which is also located at the site. One-stop shopping for care is front of mind and this takes it to a whole new level.

What alternative options are available to help people connect with your network when transportation is a barrier?

RG: We partner with Uber to help patients who struggle to find transportation for non-emergency care. The network has provided 33,000 rides to 25,000 patients since the partnership launched last year. Patients qualify for the rides if they do not drive, lack access to public transportation, experience economic instability and can’t rely on family or friends to drive them. This program not only benefits patients; it helps hospitals and clinics remain more efficient by decreasing no-shows. More than 6 million Americans miss or delay medical care each year due to lack of transportation. All healthcare leaders need to be mindful of creating ways to address this impediment to better health outcomes.