Seeking Non-Emergency Medical Transport? How To Find The Most Appropriate Ride

Medical transport is a godsend for people who don't have their own cars or who are temporarily sidelined from driving. The service allows you and often an attendant or guardian to travel to and from appointments, and state programs and insurance may pay for the service. All that being said, not all medical transport is the same. You need to take care when arranging for a ride to ensure that you get one that is appropriate for your needs.

Are Shared Rides OK?

Sometimes medical transport rides are hard to get because there is more demand and less supply. Shared rides have made finding transportation a little easier, but if you're not OK with sharing a ride with others — for example, if you have a depressed immune system and would prefer as few people in the vehicle as possible — then you need to look specifically for individual rides, which could take longer to find.

If you are OK with sharing a ride, find out the radius of the drop-off area if you can. You want to be sure that the time it takes to drop off other people won't make you miss your appointment.

Do You Need Special Accommodations?

Some medical transportation is done with passenger cars, but other rides may involve vans or buses. If you need special accommodations like being in a van equipped to carry wheelchairs, call for a reservation as early as possible to ensure the greatest number of options. Even if you think a passenger car will be OK if you have any equipment that you need to take with you, including crutches or a cane, tell the transportation service so they can find a vehicle with enough space.

Do You Have Someone Who Will Travel With You?

If you have an attendant or a guardian traveling with you or even just a friend who is helping you out during the trip and appointment, find out if your reservation and fees cover that person's seat as well or if you need to pay extra. Government programs that pay for this transportation often cover one attendant, but you should always double-check with the specific service you're calling.

Medical transportation is helpful, and it really makes your day go more smoothly when the ride has exactly what you need. Call early, as soon as you know you need the service. The customer support staff will do their best to find a ride for you at the time you need it. Look for a professional in your area that provides medical transportation services.