Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
What is it?
Non-emergency medical transportation companies were created to fill a unique void in medical care, by enabling patients that cannot drive or do not have access to transportation to get to their medical appointments.
These companies supply a lower cost service than ambulance companies provide, and also a safer, cleaner, and a more comfortable trip than private taxi companies or public transportation.
Non-emergency medical transportation companies are also trained and equipped to meet the special needs of disabled people, that include wheelchairs, walkers, and service animals.
They also have the knowledge of the locations and physical layouts of all the major medical facilities in their area, therefore they are specially trained to go above and beyond to help passengers with door-to-door service, to and from the vehicle.
The door-to-door service includes helping people that have trouble walking or are anxious about an appointment get checked in and also holding the doors for them and helping them with elevators or stairs if they need it.
Patients can also employ private taxi services or ride public transportation, but this is often not a good idea because the drivers do not have medical training and they do not provide the one-on-one individual care that other forms of medical transportation do. There are also certains things to look for to find a good medical transporter.
What to Lo0k For?
When looking for a non-emergency medical transportation, there are things a person should look for. One thing a medical transportation company should provide is services for people whose medical condition makes it impossible for them to drive. For those people who are in wheelchairs, they should supply an hydraulic lift and stretcher services for those that need to ride on a stretcher. Non-emergency medical transportation vehicles should also have software with GPS in it to keep track of their drivers and patients at all times. They should also have mechanics to work on their vehicles (preferably ASE certified) and tow trucks available whenever needed in case a company vehicle breaks down. Drivers should also get proper training that includes: behind-the-wheel training, sensitivity training, defensive driving, CPR, first aid, and transporting people with disabilities. There are also certain ways to find a good medical transportation service.