According to America’s Health Association, more than 3.6 million people can’t get timely medical care because they lack proper medical transportation. Medical transportation is crucial to take patients to healthcare centers for their routine checkups and medical appointments. Some medical transport services in Colorado are now providing affordable and suitable options for various medical needs.
Non ambulatory transportation comes in different types. If you need to book one, you should know which type is best for the patient’s condition. In this blog, we’ll discuss various non-ambulatory services and how they benefit patients.
Types of Medical Transportation
Before we discuss different types of non ambulatory transportation, it is important to understand the different types of medical transportation.
1. Ambulatory Transportation
2. Non Ambulatory Transportation
Ambulance transportation is essential during emergencies like car accidents or serious injuries when you can’t go to the hospital yourself. It’s the most expensive option, so it’s best for life-threatening situations or when a limb is at risk. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a more affordable option for patients who need medical rides to reach their doctor’s appointments or medical checkups and get back home. It’s for patients in wheelchairs, bed-ridden, bariatric patients, or with specific health concerns. Choosing the right option ensures you get the necessary care while considering the costs involved.
Non ambulatory transportation is perfect for the following medical condition:
- Dialysis
- Radio/chemotherapy
- Dentist Appointment
- Drug Abuse Treatment Sessions
- Hospital discharge
- Nursing home discharge
- Physical therapy
- Family special events
Types of Non Ambulatory Transportation
1. Wheelchair Transportation
Wheelchair transport services provide assistance to people who use wheelchairs and cannot walk independently. The vans are operated by drivers trained in CPR, and they have lifts to help with wheelchair access. You can also rent wheelchairs if needed. These NEMT services give special attention to patients with disabilities. However, it’s important to note that this service is not for immediate emergency care; it’s for non-emergency situations where the patient requires transportation and support for their mobility needs.
2. Stretcher Transportation
Stretcher medical transportation is for patients who cannot get out of bed or sit up on their own. This may be due to various health reasons. For this type of transportation, a special vehicle is needed to ensure safety.
Non-emergency medical transportation can also cater to patients on stretchers, as long as it’s not an urgent situation.
To transport a patient on a stretcher, the service usually includes taking them from their home to their appointment location directly.
3. Curb-to-Curb Transportation
When patients need curb-to-curb transportation, it means they are picked up and dropped off right at the curb where they are. This type of transportation is less involved and hands-on for non-emergency medical trips.
4. Door-to-Door Transportation
Patients may need door-through-door transportation when they need help getting from their homes to their appointment. Trained drivers will come inside the house and assist the patient to get into a wheelchair, or stretcher, or help them walk out of their home.
If you need this kind of assistance, make sure to mention it when you schedule your appointment.
5. Long-Distance Transportation
Long-distance non ambulatory transportation demands professional services to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during extended journeys. These specialized services cater to patients who require medical attention in distant locations and might be unable to manage regular transportation due to health conditions. By offering door-to-door service, these providers ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for patients, allowing them to focus on their health while knowing they are in capable hands throughout the journey. At Mountain Taxi, we receive long-distance NEMT rides in the entire state of Colorado, mostly between Aspen to Junction to Durango. We understand that extended travel across uncomfortable rural areas can have a negative impact on the patient’s well-being. So we provide long-distance non-emergency rides fully equipped for medical transports.
6. Flight Transportation
Flight transportation service is a type of non ambulatory transportation that involves using airplanes or helicopters to move individuals who are unable to walk or have limited mobility. This service offers several benefits, such as speed and long-distance travel, making it ideal for medical emergencies or transporting patients to specialized care facilities.
Choosing The Right Type of NEMT Transport
There are different types of non-ambulatory transport services available for patients with various needs. When you’re booking a ride for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), it’s important to ensure that the provider offers the right type of medical transport that suits your requirements. Make sure to clearly communicate your needs and discuss the patient’s condition with them. This way, they can arrange a suitable ride that meets the patient’s specific needs and ensures a comfortable and safe journey.
Book Your Medical Ride With Mountain Taxi
If you live in Colorado and often face delays to your medical appointments and checkups, Mountain Taxi can help. We provide cool and comfortable non ambulatory transportation rides so you can travel easily to your dentist appointments, therapy sessions, drug abuse treatment, or any other medical checkups.
Call us at (833) 686-8294 to book your ride today!
