An app lets care teams schedule transportation for patients via mobility firm Lyft in partnership with California-based VectorCare’s logistics and workflow automation platform.

The Lyft Smart on FHIR app brings Lyft’s US transportation network directly into the Epic electronic health record (EHR) workflow.

Now available through the Epic App Market, the app is powered by VectorCare’s patient logistics platform and allows care teams to schedule and manage patient rides without leaving the EHR. This results in faster discharges, fewer missed appointments and improved access to care for patients who need reliable transportation.

Built using FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards, the app seamlessly connects Epic users with Lyft’s transportation network inside the EHR interface. Care coordinators and case managers can now order, schedule and track rides in real time, securely and compliantly, as part of their existing workflow.

Care teams can order Lyft rides directly from a patient’s chart in Epic. Patient demographics, appointment times and destinations are securely populated through FHIR APIs. The teams can monitor trip progress and arrival status within the EHR. This all supports timely patient transport to home or post-acute care, reducing discharge delays and bed occupancy.

The app leverages VectorCare’s Smart on FHIR framework, enabling Lyft to embed its transportation services natively within healthcare workflows.

“By bringing Lyft directly into the Epic ecosystem, we’re closing one of healthcare’s most persistent gaps – patient transportation,” said David Emanuel, CEO of VectorCare. “Our Smart on FHIR framework makes it possible for innovators like Lyft to deliver services securely and seamlessly, right where care happens.”

Betty Yen, head of healthcare partnerships at Lyft, added: “Lyft’s mission is to serve and connect, and we believe transportation should never stand between patients and their care. With our new Smart on FHIR app, powered by VectorCare, Epic users can now order and manage rides instantly, helping more patients get to appointments and home safely after hospital visits.”

The app is now available in the Epic App Market (showroom.epic.com) for all Epic health system customers. Future versions will expand to additional FHIR-enabled EHR platforms, enabling broader access to Lyft’s healthcare transportation network nationwide.

Founded in 2012, Lyft (www.lyft.com) has grown into a global mobility platform offering a mix of rideshare, taxis, private hire vehicles, executive chauffeur services, car sharing, bikes and scooters across six continents and thousands of cities.

VectorCare (www.vectorcare.com) is a patient logistics and workflow automation platform enabling hospitals, payers and vendors to coordinate services efficiently, from transportation to home health and beyond.