Medical transport services serve the purpose of transporting patients over short and long distances alike. Of all categories of medical transport services, state-to-state medical transport is perhaps the trickiest. They are tricky because moving patients over long distances would usually involve more delicate measures than would be needed if the patient were to be transported within the same metropolis. This is especially true when the patient is transported via a medical vehicle.
When moving a patient from state to state, provisions would usually be made for accommodation, medical personnel, and equipment for treatment in transit. Therefore, before patronizing a state-to-state medical transport service, below are four things you should keenly consider.
Certification and Accreditation
As enticing as using a medical transport service can be – especially a low-cost one – it is essential that they are well certified and duly accredited to provide such services. There are a number of certifications a long-distance medical transportation service should have before they are deemed qualified. This includes the FAA and IAMCTS.
Accreditation is important because a company can only be accredited if a set of laid standards are met. These standards would usually cut around safety, comfortability, and availability of medical equipment, among others. For the most part, the vans used by medical transport companies must be ADA-compliant and be safe and comfortable for all types of patients. Also, its drivers would need to be certified to drive medical vans and possess a minimal level of experience in caring for patients in emergencies.
Comfort
Comfort and convenience are important considerations that should be made when patronizing a medical transport company. This is because interstate trips can be long and daunting. Without the right vehicle configurations, the patient may feel uncomfortable for most parts of the trip. Besides, this can lead to more complications for the patient. Apart from the facility and equipment put in place to ensure the comfort of the patient, medical personnel should also be expected to take care of the patient’s needs.
Above other things, the medical transport company should be able to provide therapeutic mattresses and chairs, a backup oxygen tank, a wheelchair for disabled patients, and suction machines, amongst other equipment.
Company Reviews
Company reviews should not be overlooked when choosing a state-to-state medical transport company. Every company’s offering looks good on paper. However, genuine reviews are the only true reflection of the company’s services. Before booking the services of a medical transport company, make sure to look through their reviews and testimonials.
Pay attention to the admittance of users to comfort, safety, friendliness, and technical abilities of medical personnel on board. You do not want to engage with an expert company that provides the right medical equipment but lacks enthusiasm for caring for the patient on board.
Hidden Costs
Hidden costs are a common phenomenon as regards long-distance medical transport companies. Since long-distance transports can be quite expensive, you do not want to be caught off-guard by price fluctuations. To this end, you should preferably settle for a standard one-time fee, so you aren’t caught unaware by prices of which you did not plan to budget.
When the thought of flying in or repatriating an injured or sick person comes up, the first thing that naturally comes to mind is an air ambulance. While air ambulances are the most common way of transporting patients by air, commercial medical escorts have also grown in popularity in the last decade.
Commercial medical escorts are medical personnel who assist in the transport of patients by air like a standard ambulance. However, this means of transportation is not an air ambulance, but a commercial flight.
Transporting patients via a regular commercial flight significantly reduces costs: renting an entire airplane, paying for fuel, and hiring a private pilot are substantially more expensive than booking a commercial flight.
So, patients are guaranteed medical care and attention during transit, thanks to the presence of a medical escort on commercial flights. This commercial medical escort will see to the care and safety of the patient throughout the entire trip. They will administer medication, carry out minor medical procedures, and see to the overall safety of the patient.
Depending on the prevailing circumstances and medical condition of the patient, a certified physician will evaluate the patient and then decide whether or not they can be transported using a regular commercial flight accompanied by a medical escort.
Assessing the health condition of the patient is crucial to ensure the best level of safety and patient care. Also, since the patient would have to be flown alongside the company of regular passengers, there is a need to ensure that they are in a stable enough condition to be flown commercially without causing any significant disruption to other passengers and normal flight operations.
Despite being the cheaper option, not every patient can ride on a commercial flight. There is a need for proper synergy and communication between the physician/caregiver in charge of the patient and the potential commercial medical escort before the decision to fly the patient on a commercial flight is reached.
There are several ways of organizing a commercial medical escort service. However, two of the most popular methods include:
Business Class/First Class – Owing to convenience and safety reasons, the economy class is rarely utilized when transporting patients on a commercial flight. This mode of transfer is widely offered on both international and domestic flights and is often easy to coordinate and arrange. Here, patients are generally able to sit upright during take-off and landing, but the seats can be reclined for most of the flights.
Stretcher – Here, the patient is unable to sit upright and will usually be placed on a stretcher. Some regular aircraft seats will have to be removed to accommodate the stretcher, and the patient may be barricaded with a curtain for added privacy. This service is generally only available on international flights.
However, in some instances, some airlines may offer a separate medical pod on the airplane specially made for accommodating patients on a commercial flight. Regardless of the method of travel, a commercial medical escort will always be present to care for and ensure the safety of the patient while in transit.
Our health becomes more fragile as we grow older. One outcome from this is that we will tend to pay more visits to hospitals on average than when we were younger. And if we aren’t fit enough to carry ourselves around, we might need non-emergency medical transport to take us on such trips.
We now understand that patient transportation can play a crucial role in keeping seniors healthy. Studies consistently show that when older people have a means of transport they can rely on for their trips to the healthcare center, they are more likely to keep to medical appointments and stay on their recommended treatment courses.
Each part of a patient’s engagement with healthcare transport is essential for keeping the patient on their path to better health. Here’s how they figure out this process.
Without specialized transport, older people will have to use private vehicles or board public transit. But if they aren’t in the best physical state, these alternative means of transportation may be uncomfortable for them, or simply out of the question.
Patient transport services take care of the need for comfort for patients before their trips commence. These companies will request information about the patient, so they know what their needs are and how they can be catered for while on their journey.
For instance, if the patient uses a wheelchair, a vehicle with a wheelchair ramp can be arranged. Other things, such as accompanying personnel and specific care, can also be determined in the run-up to the trip.
When the essentials are predetermined, patients and their loved ones can rest assured that their health concerns will be taken care of during their trip. Patient anxiety is then reduced, and they can focus on meeting with their doctor or other healthcare practitioners.
The personnel on board with a patient must be trained in primary medical emergency care, so they can handle any patient priorities that may come up during a journey. Their skill level may be the difference between a patient surviving through a crisis mid-trip, or even a patient losing their life.
The person being transported should also feel physically comfortable. They should have enough room to move their legs, especially if it’s a long journey they are undertaking.
Comfort is essential; it keeps patients’ minds from becoming disoriented. And if the patient on board wants to ward off a feeling of loneliness through conversations, the driver or some other staff on board should be skilled enough to spot the need and engage the patient.
On-board treatment and human empathy can sustain a discouraged or physically frail person and make it easier for them to continue on their course of treatment.
A noticeable gain that seniors derive from non-emergency medical transport is that they can become more punctual with their scheduled visits to their doctors. This, in turn, cuts the gaps between patient visits, and it shortens their treatment and recovery times.
You want your parents or older loved ones to get the best possible treatment so that their health improves. You can begin this process by enlisting an excellent healthcare transport service that takes them to and from their hospital. If it serves them as it should, it could help bring them closer to better health.
Injuries happen all the time while on long trips to different states. Perhaps our loved ones have become ill due to some physical issues while on a business trip abroad or they just went to check on a family member in another state who has been in an accident. Another scenario could be a patient in need of necessary transport from one state to another. Or maybe, an elderly person requires medically-assisted transportation. In any instance, patient transportation services serve a vital role.
Patient transportation companies are specialized organizations that work with medical facilities to help patients who need skilled care during transport. It could be from state to state or over a long distance. These services do not use standard ambulances like the ones for emergency cases. They use customized vehicles because, in most cases, the patient is not in critical condition. Here are some of the processes that constitute such services.
Everyone involved in the process must receive initial training on how to handle different kinds of patients. Some customers can walk, others can be pushed in a wheelchair, and sometimes they must be pushed on a stretcher.
Once inside the transport vessel, what happens along the way is even more critical. The staff must observe the patient’s vitals at all times, ensuring they don’t suffer more problems. It is important to note that some patients cannot hold high altitudes or fast-moving vehicles.
Here are some of the training standards that teams receive:
In a humanitarian crisis, transports to burn centers are considered a high priority. However, the transport team has to decide whether such a process is futile. These centers are focused on saving the lives of those in critical conditions. The primary hospital may not be able to handle them because of workload, psychological effects, or other reasons. The burn centers put together resources to ensure the patients receive all the treatment required.
The transport company should be able to weigh the extent of the burn and know how to handle it. One important aspect to remember in this situation is psychological support. Hence, medical transport teams have the experience needed to handle such cases. Their priority is always on the needs of the patient.
The means of transport for such states depends on the severity of the burn. For instance, ventilated patients will require air transport while mobile ICUs can work well for shorter distances.
The patient should be well-protected from bacterial contamination. At the same time, a special dressing is necessary to ensure the patient does not suffer anymore.
There are situations where the patient is in a very remote area where certain transport vessels cannot reach them. Thankfully, emergency medical transport companies are well-equipped for such cases. Air transport would be the best solution.
However, it is vital to note that cost issues are the most significant issues here. Using air transport is not cheap. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover such cases. Also, many Medevac companies do not have the latest authorizations, aircraft resources, or skills required for life-threatening situations. They can easily handle patients who can do most activities by themselves. Hence, sometimes the services are unsatisfactory compared to the cost. Nevertheless, many are trying to make sure such things never occur.
Aging patients may request medically-assisted transportation during relocation. This type of relocation is another process on a whole new level. The way these patients are handled is very different from other situations. Some aging patients cannot participate in normal activities by themselves, so the transport team should be ready to offer assistance.
And then there are medical transport services for the elderly who are transferred from one care center to another. In these cases, there must be particular communication to ensure the patient is continuously understood and cared for on routine activities. For example, the transport team should know about the medications, the prescriptions, the symptoms, suggested follow-up plans, current diagnostics, and more. This information helps ascertain the state of the patient and giving the appropriate assistance.
Another essential process linked to patient transportation is how they use their transfer methods. The first and most straightforward technique is the one-person lift. In this case, we are talking about assisting the patient into the vehicle (or transport vessel) and preparing for lift-off. The therapist must always have a clear view of the surface and be able to hold the patient from behind. In case the patient has a tracheotomy, it is vital that the medical person positions off to the side and gets low.
Also, transferring using a wheelchair should be done most professionally. If the patient can walk, the therapist should assist them to stand on their feet and hold their hand.
In situations where the patient cannot walk, it will require two or more therapists to do the job. It is all about the condition of the patient.
We all face different threats every day that may cause bodily harm. And when it happens, we may require special attention to the medical facility. And this is why patient transportation services are vital. Whether you are ill, aged, or injured, they can help you get proper treatment.
ACC Medlink is one of the best medical transport services offering coast-to-coast medical transportation. And there is a reason why such a company has made a name for themselves.
Many people today require non-emergency medical transportation services. We are all faced with different situations that threaten our health and the health of our loved ones. And when it happens, you may not want to disturb the people you care about or the community. That is where medical transfer services can help.
These are services dedicated to offering the best medical services during transportation. They have special equipment and highly trained staff to ensure your needs are met with high priority. The services work with medical facilities to understand the states of their patients. If you don’t want to miss out on transporting your loved ones when needed, it would be wise to hire such services.
Unfortunately, because of the increase in demand, there are many medical transport services in the world. Some of them are not standard, and their services will not be the best.
That is why it can be overwhelming to choose the right services. But don’t worry; we have put together the qualities of the best services for you. And this is where coast-to-coast medical transportation comes into play.
Today, no company lacks a website. When talking about a site, we are referring to the number of marketing agents for the company.
And chances are, the first place you will look for the medical transfer services you need is the internet. Technology has made things so easy today that you can book the service right from your home without having to travel anywhere physically.
Therefore, consider the below information on the website. It should have the following:
A website is considered one of the most important aspects of modern marketing. Apart from the information above, is the company transparent? You can tell this if they have included their location, contacts, and prices for their services.
Another essential aspect to consider in the quality of a medical transfer company is the service they offer. Some of these essential services include:
There are many other things to consider in terms of services. When it comes to the best experience, for instance, it matters a lot how the company handles its patients. Therefore, you should look out for:
Unfortunately, most medical transport services do not have up-to-date authorization to handle the growing demands for medical transportation. However, there are a few who have invested in the latest technology and gadgets to ensure quality services.
Hence you must consider what they are using and how well equipped their products are. Look out for the following aspects:
It is one thing to book a medical transfer team and a different thing to receive the best service. Therefore, you need to take the time to research the options you have. Many medical facilities have contacts with quality transfer services. So, perhaps it would be wise to ask for assistance from them.
If you or a loved one needs to be conveyed from your home to a health facility for a medical appointment via non-emergency transport, you will want the trip to go in a safe and timely manner. You will also expect your patient transport service to be professional in its interaction with the patients that it helps to transport.
Ideally, medical transport personnel should have adequate training that makes them responsible for those they transport. In reality, the quality of care will vary across various transporters.
This article will give you a broad idea of what to expect from a service provider that takes its patient care seriously.
Here are five ways that medical transport companies can help patients on their journeys to and from medical appointments.
If patients are injured or chronically ill, they may find it challenging to get into a vehicle without support. The Patient Transport Service (PTS) driver or Ambulance Care Assistant can help them in this situation.
If you or your loved one has mobility issues, you could get lifted into the transport van with a wheelchair. Patients should also be helped out of the vehicle when they arrive at their destination.
Patient transport service drivers are expected to be empathetic, caring, and possess excellent inter-relational skills. These could be important for patients who are in distress, anxious or have special needs.
The emotional support you receive from the staff on board the transport vehicle may give you some of the psychological lift you require to get through tough moments in your treatment process.
Many non-emergency patient transport companies prefer to have PTS drivers who are trained in administering First Aid.
If a patient’s condition deteriorates unexpectedly and they are unable to breathe, the driver should be able to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on them. Where the person being conveyed has cuts or broken bones, the transport provider’s personnel should be able to apply plaster and splinting.
Some patients will want to engage in conversations during the trip. The staff from the transport service provider should be perceptive enough to pick up on queues that indicate this. They could signal that the patient feels lonely and wants to ward off the feeling. Human communication might help them stay positive and impact their overall experience throughout the journey.
Patient transport personnel should be aware of the needs of patients with visual or hearing impairments, and try to make them as comfortable as possible when they are being transported. Older people and the physically incapacitated will also require special attention; PTS staff will be able to handle these cases without any significant hitches if they are trained and experienced enough.
Conclusion
Your medical transport service provider should offer more than just a trip. They should interact with their patients humanely and leave them feeling positive, comfortable, and dignified.
In this time of uncertainty — when COVID-19 is just beginning to spread — it’s hard to know where this pandemic will take us, and how quickly it will spread. Although we are all being told to practice social distancing — distancing ourselves from one another in public spaces, and to stay inside — it can be an incredibly difficult challenge when all we want is to be surrounded by our loved ones… Especially the elderly and the very sick.
Here at ACC Medlink, with every trip conducted, each vehicle is returned for maintenance and sterilized cleanliness. With a heightened sense of safety right now, we are using extra, precautionary measures to ensure our vehicles maintain above-acceptable sanitation. We would not want any of our wonderful crew or patients to contract anything while on each trip, especially when working with medical transportation.
Each inspection uses top-of-the-line cleaning products on all surfaces, including UV-C light, a natural disinfectant. We ensure every medical transport vehicle is properly sanitized and sterile. No potential, COVID-19 germs can survive our state-of-the-art UV-C lights, as they kill pathogens, including C-diff and MRSA, reducing the risk for healthcare-acquired infections. Approved by the EPA, a single UV-C light reaches all areas of the vehicle, including shadowed areas and hard-to-reach spaces.
With this said, our Medical Staffing Contractors and Transport Specialists here at ACC Medlink are professional and attentive. Our Mercedes fleet and crew are eagerly awaiting their next trip.
We provide the elderly and the sick with a five-star transportation service, nationwide. Our medical transportation service goes above and beyond what other companies can provide for their patients and customers. We provide a top-of-the-line, non-emergency medical transportation service with several perks.
When you feel that the time is right to have your loved one transferred from state to state a perk to riding with ACC Medlink is that our operators are standing by to notate all medical requests you have, prior to booking your trip. Will they need oxygen, PEG tube pumping, or even blood sugar monitoring? We can provide all of that and more, prior to the trip. All you need to do is inform us of all medical needs.
Another perk to riding with ACC Medlink is the comfort that all of our patients are provided. Our Mercedes Sprinter Vans provide plenty of legroom, and of course, storage space for luggage for long-distance medical transports. We also provide bedside commodes to those who may require frequent, restroom visits, so that each crew can continue driving straight through their long-distance medical transports.
What’s better is that our services at ACC Medlink comfortably allow up to two passengers at no charge and even space for pets! You don’t want to leave your fur babies behind during these strange times (or ever).
Now that you have a little better understanding of how we are combating COVID-19 here at ACC Medlink, consider us first on your list for medical transportation companies.
The process of moving patients between their homes and medical facilities may come with some degree of risk. There could be potential hazards stemming from the nature of the patient’s ailment, the distance between medical facilities or homes, or the qualification of accompanying patient transport service personnel.
If you are aware of these risks, you will know that safety should be a top priority for you while you are using a non-emergency transport service. You will undoubtedly want to know what steps an agency takes to ensure the safety of patients.
Here are some things that medical transport companies do to ensure that their journeys are completed without any significant trouble.
Non-emergency transport companies will ensure that their drivers are competent, appropriately licensed, and have a good driving record. Companies also conduct training programs for their drivers that enable them to respond effectively to emergencies and overall patient care.
Taking a trip with a vehicle that isn’t adequately maintained, jeopardizes the safety of patients. Medical transport companies, like every other transport service, will usually carry out routine maintenance checks on their vehicles to ensure that they are in the best, possible condition.
The vehicles used by patient transport companies are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps to allow wheelchair passengers to get into the vehicle.
To ensure the safety of patients who are physically disabled due to illness or injury, non-emergency patient transport services provide supporting equipment such as stretchers, wheelchairs, and gurneys. The transporting vehicle should also have fire extinguishers that can be used if a fire incident occurs.
Before trips commence, all safety props are checked to ascertain that they are not damaged.
Long delays during the transfer of a patient to a facility or from one treatment center to another can cause them to miss their scheduled appointments.
Apart from potential hitches on the road, delays in transfer could happen when information like patients’ test results or availability of bed space by a hospital is not processed or passed on quickly enough.
To curb the incidence of long delays in conveying patients, medical transport service providers should insist on the use of efficient communication technology as standard procedure in working with health centers.
Ideally, patient transport agencies also try to ensure the safety of patients during trips by providing them with Ambulance Care Assistants. Service providers may determine the appropriate kind of escort for patients’ needs based on the information given by the medical facility initiating a transfer.
If you know the measures your medical transporter should take to guarantee their patient’s safety, you will be able to tell when they are (or are not) doing those things. This knowledge should influence your decision as to which service provider with whom you choose to work. Ultimately, it could reduce the risk of an accident or other negative occurrences before, during, and after trips.
When choosing a medical transport service provider, you must ensure to choose one that not only focuses on getting you to your destination, but also prioritizes using the safest, most conducive, and most efficient sets of vehicle fleets and equipment to do the job.
ACC Medlink appeared on the TLC television network reality show “1000 LB Sisters” to transport one of the cast members from Ohio to a doctor in Kentucky. Filmed in late 2022, ACC Medlink, four of its employees and the journey they took with Tammy Slaton were featured in episode 6 of season 4, which originally aired on February 21, 2023.
ACC Medlink is proud to announce the addition of a new line of elite medical sprinter vans to our long distance medical transport fleet. This addition will allow ACC Medlink to continue to provide superior service and outstanding care for those in need of medical transport out of state...
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©2023 ACC Medlink
Nationwide Medical Transportation | Privacy Policy | Legal | Sitemap
