Navigating an airport, customs, and the various security check-points can be a daunting task for any traveler. But for those facing a medical transport, the complexities and obstacles increase dramatically. SentinelMED, a medical travel assistance company, is experienced in the logistics of the commercial air medical transport. As a door-to-door medical transportation service, the longest and most important phase of any project is the planning and preparation. This post examines the intricacies of that process.
Initial Assessment
SentinelMED receives most new commercial air medical transportation requests from hospital case managers. Within an hour of receiving a call or email, the SentinelMed team is working with the hospital or individual on the initial assessment. Along with basic information on the patient, the initial assessment includes origin and destination locations, establishing the time frame for travel, information on the referring facility, and potential accepting facilities. Most importantly, the initial assessment includes detailed information on the patient’s medical situation, physical and mental condition, medications, current or future treatments, and medical needs. Once the initial assessment is completed, the transfer request is given to the Director of Medical Services for an in-depth assessment to determine the recommended mode of transportation.
Mode of Travel Assessment
One distinct advantage that SentinelMED offers is the experience and skill in arranging and executing commercial air medical transports. Not all patents are an ideal fit for this mode of transportation. However, for those that are able, commercial air medical transport offers a low-cost and affordable alternative to private air medical transport. When determining if a patient is a good fit for commercial air medical transport we evaluate if they are medically stable and if their oxygen needs are in a range that is acceptable for a commercial air flight. In addition, SentinelMED evaluates the type of seating that will work for the patient. Can they sit upright or do they need to lie flat? Is a stretcher needed? Once the full vehicle assessment is completed, the transfer request is given to the operations team to arrange the logistics of departing and arriving.
Travel Documentation
The type of travel documentation required depends greatly on the destination and origin locations. A government issued picture ID is sufficient for U.S. citizens traveling on domestic commercial air. But when the commercial air flight crosses international borders the documentation needed for travel becomes much more complex. SenitnelMED handles this process end-to-end for their patients, even those patients that may have entered the country illegally. We work with consulates to navigate the process and fulfill requests where needed, including fingerprinting, photos, or submitting paperwork to various government agencies. Each country has different rules and regulations and varying levels of security to obtain the necessary documentation. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Routing
While the travel documentation process is underway, the SenitnelMED team is also working on routing. This entails finding the best, most practical and efficient route to the destination. The objective is to aim for non-stop flights. Shorter trips can cut down cost and reduce stress for the patient. However, every case is unique and brings new and unforeseen obstacles. Some destinations have barriers for entry via a direct flight. SentinelMED’s routing team works to find unique solutions to get patients to their receiving facility or home.
Receiving Facility
Getting a patient to their destination, whether is be a hospital closer to family or returning home, is the ultimate goal of each trip. SenitnelMED is committed to ensuring that patients receive the same standard of care that they would in the referring facility. SentinelMED arranges a receiving physician to continue care once the patient reaches their destination. In some cases the patient is able to return home, rather than go back into a hospital or medical facility. SentinelMED evaluates the receiving caretaker and environment prior to travel and even develops a back-up plan in case the home situation does not work out upon arrival.
Booking
When the assessments, travel documentation routing and receiving facility arrangements have been made, all that remains in the planning phase is to book the trip. Our travel agent obtains tickets and our logistics team lines up the medical escort team. The medical team could include a nurse or physician or other escort depending on the patient’s individual condition during travel.
Arrange an Affordable Air Medical Transport
Each medical situation is different and every individual’s health needs vary significantly. SentinelMED is a medical travel assistance company that knows the ins and outs of commercial air medical transports. With proper planning and preparation our team of qualified logistics and medical professionals are able determine the appropriate form of affordable medical transportation service and help manage the process from end-to-end. We understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to the sick, elderly or injured patient in an unfamiliar environment. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and staff.
Click Here to Read Part 2 of The Logistics of Commercial Air Medical Transport: Departure, In-Flight and Airport Transfers
