There are many different types of medical transportation services – from emergency ambulatory transportation to non-emergency medical transportation. Knowing the right type of transportation for your needs and mobility may help you save money while ensuring you get to your intended destination safely, comfortably, and on time.
7 Types of Medical Transportation to Know About
Here’s an overview of different types of medical transportation services offered in Melbourne, FL and beyond.
Ambulatory Transportation
Ambulance transportation is hailed in the instance of an emergency – let’s say you are in a car accident or fall and badly injure your leg and are unable to drive to the hospital, or perhaps even move.
Being transported by ambulance is the most expensive form of transportation, and so you only want to go this route in a true emergency. Due to the associated costs, ambulance rides are typically reserved for life and death situations, or situations where a limb is at risk.
Non-emergency Medical Transportation
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is offered to patients who require an additional level of care and support at a far more affordable cost than emergency ambulance transportation. It caters to patients in wheelchairs, patients who are bed-ridden, as well as bariatric patients, or patients with special health or safety concerns.
There are different levels of service offered, and a different number of drivers can come out onto the scene depending on a patient’s needs.
Stretcher Transportation
Stretcher medical transportation is reserved for patients who are bed-ridden and cannot get up or move into a sitting position. There are many different reasons that a patient may be confined to a stretcher for transportation. A specialized vehicle is required to safely transport stretchers.
Non-emergency medical transportation can accommodate stretcher patients as long as it is not an emergency situation.
Stretcher transportation typically requires door-through-door transportation (see #5) to get the patient out of their residence and into their appointment.
Wheelchair Transportation
Patients confined to a wheelchair or who cannot walk independently require the extra assistance provided by wheelchair transportation. In some cases, patients can be moved from their wheelchair into a vehicle seat, in other instances patients are more comfortable remaining in their chair. Vehicles must be outfitted with the appropriate restraints and hookups to secure the chair in the vehicle so that it remains stable no matter what.
Door-through-door Transportation
Patients may require door-through-door transportation if they need assistance getting out of their home and into their appointment. This involves trained drivers entering the residence and physically assisting the patient into a wheelchair, onto a stretcher, or simply helping them to walk out of their home.
If you require door-through-door transportation, it’s important to specify this at the time you book your appointment.
Curb-to-curb transportation
When patients require curb-to-curb transportation, that means they are picked up at the curb and then dropped off at the curb when they reach their destination. This is a less hands-on approach to non-emergency medical transportation.
Long Distance NEMT
Long distance NEMT may vary based upon the company you book a ride with. At Stellar Transportation, it involves traveling over 50 miles from your starting location. NEMT may be required for a trip to a neighboring city, or perhaps clear across the country.
Learn more about our Long Distance Non-emergency Medical Transportation services
Stellar Transportation Has You Covered
Stellar Transportation offers non-emergency medical transportation in Melbourne, FL. We offer wheelchair and stretcher transportation to doctor appointments, the airport, assisted living facilities, family dinners, and so much more. Contact us today to learn more or check out this page to learn more about pricing.