Non-emergency medical transportation can be a godsend for caregivers and relatives, but it is important to ask the right questions before you sign up or make a reservation. If you are caring for an elderly or disabled family member who is no longer able to drive, getting them to their medical appointments can be a real challenge, and sometimes you need a helping hand.
Here are some of the critical questions you need to ask before signing up for a non-emergency medical transportation services. Not all medical transport is the same, and you want to make sure your loved one will be in caring and capable hands.
How Do You Screen Your Drivers for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Any transportation service is only as good as its drivers, and that goes double for medical transport services. Before you make an appointment or sign up for services, ask about the screening of the drivers and how these critical hiring decisions are made.
What Types of Vehicles Do You Use?
The type of vehicle is another important consideration when using a non-emergency medical transportation service. The vehicles should be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids, and comfortable enough to get your loved one back and forth without undue strain. Ask what types of vehicles are used for the service and what types of accommodations are provided.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
Convenience is critical when using a transportation service. Look for a service that provides a variety of reservation options, including mobile devices, online portals and the telephone. Make sure you know how to use the service – and how to communicate with the driver and operator of the service.
When Will I Receive a Response or Confirmation?
It is important that you receive a response or confirmation quickly, especially if you are scheduling multiple trips or juggling multiple family members. Ask about how responses are generated and how ongoing communication is handled.
What is Your Cancellation Policy?
Sometimes plans change, and you need to know how to cancel the ride you have scheduled. Ask about the cancellation policy of the transportation service, including any charges for canceled trips.
How Much Notice Do You Need?
Whether you are scheduling a new ride or canceling a previously scheduled one, it is important to know how much notice the non-emergency medical transportation service will need. Ask about the notification period before you schedule the ride.
Can You Accommodate Wheelchair-Bound Patients?
If your loved one is disabled or uses a wheelchair, ask if the transportation service can accommodate those needs. Most non-emergency medical transportation providers have experience dealing with disabled patients, but it never hurts to make sure.
What is Your Service Area?
Service area is a critical consideration when choosing a non-emergency medical transportation provider, especially if your loved one is seeing more than one doctor. Make sure that all of their current medical providers, including specialists and local hospitals, are within the service area.
What Do You Charge and How Do I Pay?
Cost is always an important consideration, so ask about how much the service charges and how those charges should be paid. Some medical transport services charge based on mileage, while others use a flat fee structure for each trip. Be sure to ask about any extras, like waiting charges or fees for cancelled trips.
If you are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one, you face a difficult balancing act. You want to do as much as you can, but you also need to live your own life. A non-emergency medical transportation service could lift the burden you have been feeling – without sacrificing the care your loved one deserves.
Contact Quickride today to find out how we can help you get to your appointment safely and on time. When you book with us, you can be sure that you’re getting a clean and reliable ADA compliant vehicle with trained drivers ready to assist.
Schedule transportation at 907-332-0261
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