If you or a family member are unable to travel in normal vehicles and do not have a personal means of specialized transportation, you might be wondering what the best way is to get to and from the hospital after having surgery. You might think an emergency ambulance is the only method of transportation, but non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) exists to bridge the gap for those who need specialized care during non-emergency cases.
NEMT is a Medicaid benefit available nationwide to seniors and patients who need a safe and reliable means to get home post-surgery, as well as for any other reason you might need. Here are some things you should know about travel safety post-surgery and NEMT.
Why Use NEMT?
Patients who have undergone surgery or an acute injury have weakened muscles and are under post-procedure medication that makes them unable to drive until cleared by their healthcare provider. While some patients may have a family member or a friend who can drive them home, depending on their condition, some patients need more specialized care along the way.
NEMT vehicles can accommodate stretchers, wheelchairs, and patients who need equipment such as ventilators, making them ideal for patients with special needs. As most people do not have the means to transport such patients on their own, NEMT drivers can fill the gap and ensure a safe means of returning home post-surgery.
No Physical Struggles
Using personal or public transportation can have many hurdles if you need special care during transit. NEMT vehicles can accommodate patients with various needs, ensuring you have the right care from departure to arrival. For patients in wheelchairs or stretchers, NEMT vehicles are a comfortable means of transport that are hassle-free without any of the physical discomforts which typically accompanies traveling in personal or public transportation.
Professional Care
In addition to accommodation for various medical equipment, NEMT drivers are qualified professionals who will ensure you are cared for, whether you need assistance entering the vehicle or attention during transit. If any complications occur during transit or if you need help with any medical devices, they are better equipped to assist you than relatives or friends.
Different Kinds Of NEMT Vehicles
There are various types of NEMT vehicles for patients with different needs. Wheelchair and stretcher vans are among the most common vehicles available for non-emergency transportation. However, patients who are over 300 pounds are unable to use these vehicles and instead must opt for a bariatric vehicle.
In addition to these vehicles, others come equipped with basic life support and advanced life support for patients who need regular monitoring, administration of oxygen, or electrocardiogram monitoring. The latter is also staffed by an EMT and paramedic and comes with a variety of specialized medical equipment and tools. Finally, critical care vehicles exist for patients who rely on a ventilator or pump and are overseen by a paramedic trained in critical care.
Post-surgery transportation is safe and dependable with NEMT services. They not only make transportation stress-free but ensure the entire process of leaving the hospital and returning home is safe and reliable with professional care. Consider NEMT services the next time you or a relative needs transportation post-surgery.
Consider Stellar Transport For Reliable And Safe transportation
At Stellar Transport, we guarantee safe and reliable travel from your hospital to your home through door-through-door transportation. With state-of-the-art equipment and staff who are certified in elderly patient sensitivity, CPR, and first-aid, we will make sure you arrive home safely and attend to any of your needs during the journey. Contact us today for a quote on one of our NEMT vehicle services.