Everything You Need to Know About Medical Transport
Find comprehensive answers to common questions about medical transport services. Use the category links below to jump to specific topics, or browse through all questions to learn everything you need to know about medical transportation.
Costs vary based on distance, level of care needed, and specific requirements. Long distance medical transport typically ranges from $1.50-$3.00 per mile, with total costs depending on the journey length. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific situation, contact our recommended providers directly.
Most long distance medical transportation services do not directly accept insurance as payment. However, in some cases, your insurance may reimburse you for part of the cost depending on your policy and the medical necessity of the transport. Our recommended providers can provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Our recommended providers accept various payment methods including credit cards, wire transfers, and in some cases, financing options. They can work with you to find the most suitable payment solution for your situation. Payment is typically required before transport, but flexible arrangements may be available for qualified clients.
The quoted price typically includes all standard medical care, equipment, and transportation costs. However, additional charges may apply for special equipment requirements, extra stops, or specific medical procedures during transport. Your transport coordinator will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs before booking.
To support insurance claims, providers can supply detailed invoices, medical necessity documentation, trip logs, and care reports. It's recommended to contact your insurance provider before transport to understand their specific requirements for reimbursement.
For non-emergency long distance transport, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended to ensure availability and allow time for proper planning. However, both ACC Medlink and CienOne can often accommodate urgent requests with shorter notice.
You'll need to provide:
Yes, our providers regularly coordinate with hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities. They handle all necessary medical coordination and paperwork with both the sending and receiving facilities.
After booking, you'll receive a detailed transport plan including pickup time, estimated arrival, route details, and contact information. A transport coordinator will stay in touch to ensure all arrangements are in place and answer any questions before transport.
Transport vehicles are equipped with hospital-grade monitoring equipment, oxygen, suction, and various other medical devices. Available equipment includes:
Medical teams typically include nurses, paramedics, or EMTs depending on the patient's needs. For complex medical cases, specialized medical staff such as respiratory therapists or critical care nurses may be assigned. All staff are licensed, experienced, and trained in long-distance medical transport.
Medical staff manage all medications according to physician orders and established schedules. Medications should be provided in original containers with clear labeling. The transport team can store and administer medications appropriately, including those requiring refrigeration or special handling.
Transport teams are trained to handle medical emergencies and carry appropriate emergency equipment. They maintain communication with medical facilities along the route and can divert to the nearest appropriate facility if needed. Emergency protocols are established before transport begins.
Transport time depends on the distance traveled. Typically, these services can cover approximately 500-700 miles per day, with planned stops for patient comfort, meals, and restroom breaks. Your transport coordinator will provide a detailed timeline based on your specific journey.
Transport vehicles feature:
While meals aren't typically included, transport teams make regular stops for meals and can accommodate specific dietary needs. Patients and family members can bring snacks and drinks, and the team will help arrange meal stops or food delivery as needed.
For journeys requiring overnight stays, transport companies arrange comfortable hotel accommodations that meet medical needs. Medical staff remain available throughout the night, and all necessary medical care continues during overnight stops.
Yes! One of the major advantages of services like ACC Medlink and CienOne is that they specifically design their vehicles to accommodate family members. ACC Medlink's Mercedes Sprinters can comfortably accommodate multiple family members, while most competitors have limited or no space for companions.
Transport teams provide regular updates to designated family members throughout the journey. You can arrange preferred communication methods and frequency with your transport coordinator. Additionally, if family members are not traveling along, they can contact the transport team at any time for updates.
Transport coordinators assist families with various aspects of the journey, including:
Long distance medical transportation is suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who are bed-bound, require oxygen or other medical equipment, have limited mobility, are recovering from surgery or illness, or simply need medical monitoring during travel. Both ACC Medlink and CienOne can accommodate bariatric patients and those with special needs.
Air medical transport from Air Critical Care is ideal when timing is critical, when traveling internationally, or when the distance makes ground transport impractical. Consider air transport when a patient needs to be moved quickly across countries or continents, when traveling to or from remote locations, or when the patient's condition requires minimizing travel time.
Yes, our providers have specialized equipment and trained staff to safely transport bariatric patients. This includes appropriate stretchers, lifting equipment, and vehicles designed to accommodate larger patients comfortably and safely.
Yes, service animals can typically be accommodated during transport. Inform your transport coordinator during booking to ensure proper arrangements are made. Documentation for the service animal may be required.
Yes, transport teams respect and accommodate special dietary needs, religious requirements, and cultural preferences. Discuss any specific needs with your transport coordinator during booking to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
Our experienced transport coordinators are ready to help answer any additional questions you may have.