Frequently Asked Questions About Our Long Distance Travel & Options Available To Our Clients

How long will the trip take?

Our vehicle has the ability to hold 300 gallons of fuel making it virtually a non-stop trip. The exceptions to this is when the medical coach drivers exchange and food stops for dining out. Food stops and dining are usually due to clients interest and requests. There are no steadfast rules to the trip, however, the more frequently the patient in transport requests the vehicle to stop, the more delay in arrival time. At times there are situations that require a certain arrival time (as a facility may not accept a client after a certain hour); in these circumstances every effort will be made to arrive within the expected timeframe.

Do I have to stay in bed the entire trip?

Not at all. If your health permits, there is comfortable seating in the medical coach that includes a reclining bed and a sofa area where you can relax during transport. This is usually permissible if the client’s health is agreeable to the circumstance.

Will my family member be assisted with taking their medications on time?

Our medical team assists not only with the clients medication schedule, but also set up and assist the client's breathing treatments, peg tube feedings, required suctioning, virtually anything that the client requires assistance with. * Please note: A minimum of 3 days medication supply needs to be obtained for use during transport from sending facility, pharmacy, or family PRIOR TO SCHEDULED TRANSPORT DATE.

Can I drink alcohol if I want?

If we know in advance what your wine or beer preferences are we will have it onboard and chilled for you. Hard liquor is also permissible, but you are required to supply your own. These terms are for light social drinking only; we do not support inebriation/drunkenness.

* Please note your physician’s approval is required in writing.

Do we stop to eat?

Yes. Click on Dining for additional information.

How much will it cost to bring a family member?

One family member can accompany you at no extra charge. If however the family member is also in need of non emergency medical care from our nurses during transport, there will be an added charge for the family member. Click on Guest for additional information.

My parent/spouse is sometimes confused and may become worse when leaving familiar territory. Will you still transport him/her?

If your family member is mildly confused and non-combative, our professional staff of nurses will work with each client to orientate them to time and place; keep them abreast of their surroundings and explain all changes that may be confusing at the time. We do however, for safety reasons, discourage the transport of combative and aggressive clients. We cannot place the staff or the client in a situation that would be dangerous during transport.

My family member has urinary or bowel incontinence yet at times they are able to control it. Will they be permitted to utilize a toilet?

We have full bathroom amenities. Although your loved one may be assisted to the bathroom, they have to be able to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet with minimal assistance.

What happens if there is an unexpected emergency while en route?

Because we are not an emergency medical service, we use 911 for medical help during transport and immediately transfer the unstable client to the closest hospital when it is suspected a client’s health has become acutely impaired. We contact the receiving facility and family of all changes and keep them informed of our client’s condition. For this reason, we only transport patients that are considered non emergency. The unexpected can happen, but our initial goal is to ensure an environment conducive for continuity of care and maintain that goal.

What happens if the client requires admittance to a facility during transport?

If an unexpected emergency should arise making transport necessary to the closest treatment facility, and the client requires admission for treatment, it then becomes the responsibility of the client/family to make connecting arrangements for the client's original destination. We would be happy to assist in continued transport after discharge.

Why do I need to have a DNR signed by the physician if my family member is transferring to a hospice facility?

If the client has a terminal illness and is being transferred to a Hospice facility or to a family home for that matter, and has no DNR orders, life saving measures will be performed. A DNR order signed by the client’s personal physician must accompany the client on the transfer. Otherwise, the staff’s protocol for resuscitation will be carried out by calling 911 for emergency treatment and transport to the nearest hospital. If there is a discrepancy in what family members want for the client, this must be planned prior to the patient transport. There is no room for vague instruction in this matter.

Why is a nurse required during transport if there is no need of medical care?

Our business is for non emergency medical transport. Our policy is that a nurse is provided for every transport that takes place regardless of medical necessity.

Can I bring my pet with me?

Yes, we recognize the heartache of leaving a precious pet behind. Click on Pet for additional information.

What is a medical coach?

A medical coach is a vehicle designed to carry and operate medical equipment. Our medical coaches have been medically customized with stretchers, medical support equipment, medications and a specialized medical staff.

What do I need to do to prepare for a medical transport?

The only things you are responsible for are choosing a receiving hospital, facility or home address, time and date for trip, and furnishing payment information. If your travel dates are flexible, we will work with you on trip options. National Medical Transport will take care of everything else –ground transportation, medical team, driving crew, accompanying passenger, coordinating medical personnel, and anything else that may arise. Our goal is a smooth long distance medical transport for all involved.

What other services do you offer?

National Medical Transport is dedicated to efficient, caring patient transport. We arrange medical ground transportation to make traveling easier for you. We will make arrangements for your pet, luggage, automobile, fellow traveler, – anything the patient and their family need to feel comfortable and in good hands during the trip.

How many medical personnel are with the patient on each transfer?

One medical staff member accompanies the patient on each transport. In the case that the patient and an accompanying family member both need medical care, we can provide an additional nurse.

What kind of training/experience do they have?

All of our medical staff is professionally licensed and current on their medical training. Our team members undergo an initial orientation prior to any long distance medical transport with patients. We also perform a quality review following each trip.

What does “bedside to bedside” medical transport mean?

To ensure continuity of care, our medical team is with the patient from the very beginning. Click on Bedside to Bedside for additional information.

What equipment and medications are on board the medical coach?

Standard medical equipment includes stretchers, oxygen, suctioning for COPD and tracheostomy needs, walkers, wheelchairs, and any other specialty equipment necessary for each individual patient.

Are all costs included in your quote?

Included in a medical coach quote is medical ground transportation, medical personnel, driving crew, equipment, meals, tolls, and any additional road fees. Any additional charges would be made prior to the trip and with the patient’s full knowledge.

What forms of payment does National Medical Transport accept?

During this critical time, finances are the last thing you want to worry about. We try to make the financial aspect easier by working with each individual patient to create the most logical, sensibly priced medical transport package. We accept all major credit cards, bank wire drafts, cash, cashier’s checks, and pay-pal.

How do you determine which medical coach is right for each patient?

Factors we take into consideration when choosing the medical coach are patient’s condition, length of travel and whether a family member or friend will be traveling with the patient. All medical coaches are equipped with the same medical equipment and experienced medical teams.

How many drivers are on board?

Depending on the length of the trip, two drivers are usually provided to continue transfers without needing to stop for rest. Click on Drivers for additional information

Is food served on the medical coach?

Yes, we offer a variety of snacks, easy to prepare meals and choice beverages for family members and for patients if there are no diet restrictions. We will accommodate special diets and special requests with advance notice. Click on Dining for additional information.

How much luggage can patients/passengers bring?

Generally, there is room for large and small pieces of luggage due to the bays located under the medical coach. If you require additional space, we have an enclosed trailer available. We will make arrangements to haul all of your personal belongings based on how much you bring along.

If You Have Further Questions Not Answered In The Above Section, Please Email Us Or Call Toll Free: 1-877-668-7799