Non-emergency patient transport

Non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) is for patients who require clinical monitoring or supervision during transport, but do not require a time critical ambulance response.

Most NEPT transfers occur between hospitals, or between home and hospital. Some aged care patients may also be transported to and from specialist health appointments and rehabilitation. The majority of non-emergency patient transports are provided by road, with a small number undertaken by air services.

Non-emergency patient transports need to be authorised as clinically necessary by an appropriate health professional. Authorisation considers whether there is a demonstrated clinical need as prescribed in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016.

These patients will:

• require the use of specialised medical equipment contained within the vehicle
• require the clinical skill levels and qualifications of the staff in the vehicle
• have an illness or a disability that makes it impractical to use any other form of transport, for example, severe immobility or disorientation.

Booking and Payment

Patients cannot make a booking for NEPT services themselves.

Transport must be booked through a licensed NEPT provider or through Ambulance Victoria, in consultation with the patient’s health practitioner authorised to request NEPT services and/or health facility.

The Ambulance transport payment guidelines for Victoria provide information on who is responsible for the payment of NEPT fees.

Public register of licenced NEPT Providers (VIC)

The Department of Health is responsible for implementing the Non-Emergency Patient Transport and First Aid Services Act 2003 (the Act) and the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Regulations 2016.

The Act provides for the licensing and regulation of NEPT providers.