An ambulance tearing down the road with lights flashing and sirens blaring may be the most familiar mode of medical transportation. However, it is not the only option and is probably best reserved for medical emergencies. In many cases, non-emergency medical transportation is a better choice for patients who do not have life-threating injuries or illnesses.
“Non-emergency medical transportation” is a broad term that is used to describe many different types of services: rides to medical appointments by ride-sharing services; a specific category of transport, usually by van, for “medically necessary services” as defined by Medicaid; and patient transport by aircraft other than air ambulances.
This article will focus primarily on transportation by aircraft other than air ambulances. Air ambulances, typically helicopters, are most often used when patients need immediate transport to a medical facility that’s equipped to address their needs. In non-emergency situations, patients’ families and their medical teams have more time to arrange transportation – often 24 hours or more.
People who need non-emergency medical transportation may include travelers who are injured or become sick far from their homes; individuals with chronic medical conditions that require regular care; the elderly; adults who are cognitively or physically impaired or have a mental illness; and medical tourists.
The Benefits of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Choosing non-emergency medical transportation, instead of a ground or air ambulance, can provide many benefits, especially for people who need medical assistance to be able to travel long distances. Here are several reasons why:
It can be safer. Non-emergency medical transportation services can ensure patients’ medical needs are met promptly and by trained medical professionals. SentinelMED uses medical escorts who are experienced in ICU or emergency medicine. They administer medicine and supplemental oxygen as needed, and can provide emergency care if necessary.
It can be more comfortable. The SentinelMED team works closely with major U.S. and international airlines and is very knowledgeable of their policies on stretcher and seated travel. The SentinelMED team works with patients’ physicians and medical escorts to address all medical needs and make comfort a priority.
It can be less expensive. Non-emergency medical care offers the flexibility to provide the most appropriate mode of transport for a patient’s condition. For long-distance transportation, SentinelMED typically uses commercial airlines to transport patients in stable condition. SentinelMED also can arrange ground transportation from a discharge hospital to the airport, and from the airport to a receiving medical facility, if required. This is a cost-effective alternative to air ambulance services, which typically use helicopters or small airplanes.
It can provide peace of mind. If a family member can’t accompany a patient, it can be reassuring to know that a medical professional will be with the patient to assist during all stages of travel, including check in, security screening and customs for travel outside the United States. SentinelMED’s escorts are nurses, physicians or physician assistants who are skilled problem solvers and are comfortable handling unexpected medical needs. SentinelMED matches medical escorts with patients according to any cultural, native language or religious concerns.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation from SentinelMED
A medical transport service, such as SentinelMED, can help individuals and their family members make important decisions about non-emergency medical transportation. SentinelMED provides domestic and international medical transport and medical repatriation services for travelers who need assistance to travel long distances in comfort and safety. SentinelMED often arranges for medical escorts to accompany travelers and help them navigate the stress and uncertainty associated with long-distance travel.
The SentinelMED team works closely with hospital case managers to arrange door-to-door transportation from a discharging medical facility to a receiving facility or family member. This level of support ensures that travelers are well cared for throughout the duration of their journey.
SentinelMED understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
