The next time New York City Medicaid patients head to the doctor, they may find themselves in the back of a Lyft.

National Medtrans Network arranges non-emergency medical transportation for people, like getting elderly patients to a checkup, a diabetic to their dialysis appointment, or anyone home from an emergency room visit.

Now, as part of a test program in New York City, its operators can book a Lyft car for clients using Concierge, a new web-based dashboard designed by Lyft.

Lyft is continuing its global uphill battle against Uber for regular riders, but in the meantime, it’s looking for other ways to make money off its network of drivers. Lyft’s 12-person enterprise team is working to get a foothold in industries like hospitality, corporate travel and medicine.

This partnership is Lyft’s first step into the medical world, which has the potential to be a huge industry for ride-hailing companies. Every year, about $3 billion in federal Medicaid money goes toward transportation.

Uber is also eying health care. The company recently offered on-demand flu shots and hired a health adviser. It is working with a company in Asia to ferry patients to the doctor.

Read more:

http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/12/technology/lyft-medical-rides-health-care/

• Lyft carries elderly and outpatients to the doctor.