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When you have an emergency and need to get to the hospital quickly and safely, you call 911. Then you take an ambulance ride to the nearest ER. But what if it’s not a big enough emergency to call 911, but you still need to go to the ER? Or you need help getting to and from simple medical appointments and procedures? Well, ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft now have you covered. The popular ride hailing apps have recently made substantially hires to their companies to break into the medical industry.

Lyft announced at the end of November that Megan Callahan was hired as their first Vice President of healthcare.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Lyft to build on the impressive foundation and momentum the team has already established, becoming the top transportation choice for thousands of healthcare organizations across the country,” says Megan. “During this time of incredible growth, we have a unique opportunity to drive meaningful impact by reducing the healthcare transportation gap for patients, which is a key factor in improving social determinants of health and lowering costs.”

Lyft says Callahan will spearhead the medical side of their ride share program. Currently Lyft partners with nine healthcare corporations in all 50 states, and 10 non-emergency medical transit companies.

Uber, is also expanding their medical programs with new hires. Uber snagged one of Lyft’s former health professionals, and hired outsider Aaron Crowell to lead Uber Health. Uber Health’s main mission, which was announced earlier this year, is to help patients get to appointments on time.

“Every year, 3.6 million Americans miss doctor appointments due to a lack of reliable transportation.* No-show rates are as high as 30% nationwide.** And while transportation barriers are common across the general population, these barriers are greatest for vulnerable populations, including patients with the highest burden of chronic disease.”