AUSTIN, Texas – A new study by a University of Kansas economist found that people are picking Uber over ambulances when they need to go to an emergency room.
"In order to lower health care spending while improving health outcomes, people can use the least-skilled professional who is still qualified," said David Slusky, assistant professor of economics. "It's the same in the provider space: you don't need a neurosurgeon to diagnose strep throat."
The use of ambulances dropped at least seven percent in cities where Uber came on the scene between 2013 and 2015.
Andrew Nierengarten drives for multiple ride-hailing apps, including Uber. He said about twice a week he takes people to doctor’s appointments. Once a week, he’ll take someone to the emergency room.
“Something like (the) flu or something heavy where they feel like they need to go to the hospital and they wouldn’t be able to drive themselves,” Nierengarten said.
Despite drivers citing cases of these incidents, Austin-Travis County EMS officials said the popularity of apps is not impacting its number of calls or transports. Commander Mike Benavides said its call volume has only risen in the past decade. Ambulance transports dropped in 2016, but that’s when Uber and Lyft left the city.
“You’re bleeding and you’ve got chest pain, you’ve got signs and symptoms of any kind of other serious trauma, then ride share program or any kind of public transportation should not even be considered,” Benavides said.
One of reason, cited in the study, could be because ambulance rides are very expensive. They can cost a patient hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In Travis County, the cost of EMS care depends on the type of service. An ambulance ride could range from $104 to $831 plus $13.50 per mile and other fees.
“Costs should not outweigh potentially lifesaving interventions that our Austin-Travis County EMS or other medical professionals can begin at your side wherever you’re at," said Benavides.
Some drivers agree.
"Definitely, where I think they’re going to lose consciousness or something like that, ‘Hey, let's call you an ambulance because I don't have a way to treat you on the way to the hospital,’" Nierengarten said.
In a statement, Uber said, "We're grateful our service has helped people get to where they're going when they need it the most. However it's important to note that Uber is not a substitute for law enforcement or medical professionals. In the event of any medical emergency, we always encourage people to call 911."
Austin-Travis County EMS has a number of injury prevention programs.
EMS said it reaches out to vulnerable communities before there's even a need for emergency services.
“Our injury prevention programs cover topic areas like child safety or senior safety and deal with vulnerable populations and try to give them either education or resources so they can be safe and hopefully never have to use our EMS service in an emergency,” said Captain Randy Chhabra.