Veronica
Head Shenanigator
- Location
- Eastern Midwestern Female
Ive quit procrastinating and started looking at my options. I dont want to be scrambling around at the last minute.
Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. And all that.
Heres some of my general rambling "research". This info is in no particular order. Its just info. I havent researched any of it yet.
A lot of this doesnt apply to me but Im tossing it out there for those it might.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will cover transportation only in certain situations, but generally it doesn't cover expenses when it's a routine trip from home to your doctor. Part A may cover emergency transportation services, and Part B may cover transportation if it's deemed medically necessary.
Uber/Lyft: You can use these apps to request a ride at any time. If you need special assistance, some services offer accessible vehicles. Uber Health and Lyft Pass may even be covered by your insurance plan in some cases. The hospital will not release you to an uber.
Uber Health and Lyft Pass: These are specialized services that allow healthcare providers and health plans to arrange and sometimes cover rides for patients, including those with disabilities and wheelchair users.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): You can pre-arrange for a specialized service that provides transportation for medical appointments. NEMT services are often required to have drivers with basic medical training, including patient safe handling. In many states, Medicaid covers these services, but check with your provider..
Local private medical transport companies: These services specialize in transporting patients to and from appointments and are equipped to handle various needs. A quick online search can help you find companies in your area
Hospital social worker or discharge planner: If you are leaving the hospital after a procedure, staff can help arrange for transport. They often have a list of approved providers or can give you a voucher for a taxi service.
Hospitals have RN administrative staff called case managers who will set up medical transportation at your request. Ask to speak to the case manager and also social work may be able to assist with discharge transportation if not the CM. I have worked for many hospitals
The hospital CM was very helpful to us getting the husband settled.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA): If you are over 60, your local AAA can connect you with senior transportation programs that provide low-cost or free rides for medical appointments.
211: Call 211 to be connected with a specialist who can provide referrals for health and social services in your community, including transportation.
Volunteer services: Some non-profits, churches, or community groups have volunteers who provide rides for people who need assistance
Your state department of aging. gov
Check your local Yelp for best medical transportation near your location.
Ask the hospital if they have a patient transport service to take you home. Usually low cost, sometimes covered by insurance or Medicaid. It's fairly common for seniors
Home-care companies: Agencies like Visiting Angels can provide staff to transport you to and from the hospital. Some may require payment for a minimum number of hours, as this may include post-operative assistance once you are home.
Local nonprofit groups: Community organizations such as the National Volunteer Caregiving Network have local affiliates that may offer free or low-cost transportation for medical appointments. Many churches or other religious groups also have volunteer networks that help with rides.
The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army: These organizations have special transportation services in some communities for seniors, people with disabilities, and others who need a medical ride.
Contact a home health care agency and hire a CNA or other home healthcare worker for the day. They’ll drive you in, drive you home, and make sure you’re ok while you finish recovering from the anesthesia. And if you need more help (drains, wound cleaning, showering, etc), that’s literally their job. My insurance pays for some home care. Not sure about transport. Will look into it.
Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best. And all that.
Heres some of my general rambling "research". This info is in no particular order. Its just info. I havent researched any of it yet.
A lot of this doesnt apply to me but Im tossing it out there for those it might.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will cover transportation only in certain situations, but generally it doesn't cover expenses when it's a routine trip from home to your doctor. Part A may cover emergency transportation services, and Part B may cover transportation if it's deemed medically necessary.
Uber/Lyft: You can use these apps to request a ride at any time. If you need special assistance, some services offer accessible vehicles. Uber Health and Lyft Pass may even be covered by your insurance plan in some cases. The hospital will not release you to an uber.
Uber Health and Lyft Pass: These are specialized services that allow healthcare providers and health plans to arrange and sometimes cover rides for patients, including those with disabilities and wheelchair users.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): You can pre-arrange for a specialized service that provides transportation for medical appointments. NEMT services are often required to have drivers with basic medical training, including patient safe handling. In many states, Medicaid covers these services, but check with your provider..
Local private medical transport companies: These services specialize in transporting patients to and from appointments and are equipped to handle various needs. A quick online search can help you find companies in your area
Hospital social worker or discharge planner: If you are leaving the hospital after a procedure, staff can help arrange for transport. They often have a list of approved providers or can give you a voucher for a taxi service.
Hospitals have RN administrative staff called case managers who will set up medical transportation at your request. Ask to speak to the case manager and also social work may be able to assist with discharge transportation if not the CM. I have worked for many hospitals
The hospital CM was very helpful to us getting the husband settled.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA): If you are over 60, your local AAA can connect you with senior transportation programs that provide low-cost or free rides for medical appointments.
211: Call 211 to be connected with a specialist who can provide referrals for health and social services in your community, including transportation.
Volunteer services: Some non-profits, churches, or community groups have volunteers who provide rides for people who need assistance
Your state department of aging. gov
Check your local Yelp for best medical transportation near your location.
Ask the hospital if they have a patient transport service to take you home. Usually low cost, sometimes covered by insurance or Medicaid. It's fairly common for seniors
Home-care companies: Agencies like Visiting Angels can provide staff to transport you to and from the hospital. Some may require payment for a minimum number of hours, as this may include post-operative assistance once you are home.
Local nonprofit groups: Community organizations such as the National Volunteer Caregiving Network have local affiliates that may offer free or low-cost transportation for medical appointments. Many churches or other religious groups also have volunteer networks that help with rides.
The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army: These organizations have special transportation services in some communities for seniors, people with disabilities, and others who need a medical ride.
Contact a home health care agency and hire a CNA or other home healthcare worker for the day. They’ll drive you in, drive you home, and make sure you’re ok while you finish recovering from the anesthesia. And if you need more help (drains, wound cleaning, showering, etc), that’s literally their job. My insurance pays for some home care. Not sure about transport. Will look into it.
Last edited:
