Patient Transport Services

Booking an appointment with a doctor might seem easier than booking a patient transport service. Honestly, they’re just as easy. It takes a little more paperwork, but with the right company, it can seem simple. Transporting yourself, or a loved one to a hospital could be a long journey, but these services are easy to find.

It is estimated that about 3.6 million Americans delay or miss non-emergency care annually due to transportation barriers. This, in turn, poses severe financial consequences for the health care system. It can be an even more damning situation for the patients themselves.

Medical transportation services have sprung up to ensure that patients can go to and from their health care provider. They’re safe, monitored, and convenient. These patient transportation services aim at safely transporting patients between hospitals, patients’ homes, rehabilitation services, and nursing homes.

Modes of Medical Transport

There are several medical transport services usually based on the severity of the need. Services include medical emergency, non-medical emergency, client disability, and distance. Here’s a look at some of the most popular modes of transporting patients.

Emergency Air Ambulance

Here, helicopters and aircraft are used to transport patients usually to trauma centers, emergency wards, and specialist clinics for surgery. Air ambulances are employed when time is of the essence and the survival of the patient is heavily reliant on getting urgent medical attention.

Non-Emergency Ground Ambulance

Also known as NEMT, non-emergency transport services are ideal for patients that have mobility issues or are disabled. NEMT is convenient and perfect for patients that cannot get a lift, taxi, or drive themselves for hospital appointments. Additionally, NEMT is a preferred choice to air transportation for patients that need to make long-distance non-emergency medical trips.

Medical Car and Wheelchair Van

This mode of transport service is available to patients who require a level of travel supervision but nothing close to the level of care that an ambulance provides. Wheelchairs and medical vans take patients to doctor’s appointments, visits to family, and so on.

Local Ground Ambulance Emergency Medical Services

Often referred to by many as mere ambulances, it is used to transport patients to hospitals during emergencies. It is also used to transport patients with psychiatric conditions and is staffed by paramedics or EMTs trained in several life-saving techniques.

Shuttle Service

Senior homes and adult living facilities mostly employ this. It is often the preferred mode of transport for seniors who need to go on fun trips or visits. It is also generally for clients who require social interaction.

Conclusion

The exact kind of medical transportation for a patient will chiefly depend on the prevailing circumstances at the time. A patient that is in dire need of medical attention may be flown via air to a trauma center. A senior that needs to visit family members may opt for a shuffle service. As mentioned above, there are a variety of patient transport services to conveniently suit the needs of any medical transportation for both you and your loved ones.