NEW YORK -- More people are choosing to call an Uber than to call an ambulance in case of an emergency, a new study shows.
According to the University of Kansas, the use of Uber in cities across the country has reduced "per capita ambulance volume" by at least 7 percent. The study says this is likely because patients want to avoid the expensive ambulance ride with paramedics.
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The study looked at ambulance rates in 766 U.S. cities across the country in 43 states when Uber was made available in the area from 2013-2015.
Assistant Professor of Economics David Slusky says another explanation of people opting to use Uber are insurance companies offering incentives for patients - such as a $50 gift card.
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The study says that a benefit of this new trend is reducing the wait time of an ambulance for someone who may need it faster.