Some trips require more support than a standard passenger vehicle provides, but less support than an ambulance provides. Certified Medical Transportation fills this gap with planned trips for patients who are medically stable but may have limited mobility, require assistance, or otherwise have transportation needs beyond the scope of a taxi or rideshare.
Certified Medical Transportation can include wheelchair transportation to outpatient medical appointments, discharge transportation from a hospital or surgery center, and other transportation when a patient cannot get to and from medical care in a standard vehicle.
Passenger Needs
Certified Medical Transportation is not right for everyone. If you or your loved one can get to and from medical appointments without help getting in and out of the vehicle, a taxi or rideshare may be a good option. On the other hand, Certified Medical Transportation can make transportation safer and more convenient for:
- Seniors and other passengers who would benefit from extra help getting in and out of the vehicle
- Surgery and other patients being discharged from the hospital who cannot drive themselves
- Patients with limited mobility who need wheelchair-accessible transportation to medical appointments
- Patients needing transportation to regular medical treatments such as dialysis when driving is unsafe or otherwise challenging
Service Levels
When arranging Certified Medical Transportation, be prepared to discuss your or your loved one’s specific needs with the service provider. Depending on the company, Certified Medical Transportation may include different levels of service, such as:
- Ambulatory transportation, for patients who can walk but would appreciate extra help getting to appointments
- Wheelchair transportation, using specially-equipped vehicles
- Stretcher transportation, for patients who cannot sit upright
In some cases, the driver or other Certified Medical Transportation professional may help the patient transfer from a bed, wheelchair, or other surface into the vehicle, help the patient navigate sidewalks and other outdoor obstacles, and walk with the patient inside the medical facility. Some Certified Medical Transportation professionals will also wait with the patient while they’re checked in and seen at the medical facility.
Scheduling Details
When scheduling Certified Medical Transportation, keep in mind:
- Whether you will need help with transfers, and from where to where, for example, from a wheelchair to the Certified Medical Transportation vehicle, or from the vehicle to the medical facility entrance
- Accessibility at the pickup location, including whether there are stairs, narrow pathways, gated access, etc.
- Any accessibility needs at the destination, such as a particular building entrance
- Whether anyone will be accompanying the patient, and whether the patient will be transporting any equipment, walkers, or other large items
- Exact timing, as in some cases, Certified Medical Transportation professionals can help with check-in and will wait while the patient is at the appointment; in other cases, they’ll drop the patient off and return later for the pickup. Ask about the service provider’s policies in case the medical appointment runs long.
- For Certified Medical Transportation from the hospital, the process for discharging the patient, meaning in some cases, the patient must be completely ready to leave and in the discharge area before the driver can help them transfer into the vehicle.
- Any other special needs
To ensure your transportation needs are met and to avoid any delays, please have the following information available:
- Your identification and insurance cards
- Discharge instructions or appointment paperwork
- If appropriate, a list of medications and allergies
- If applicable, contact information for family/caregiver/facility staff member
- If applicable, information regarding the size/weight of the patient’s power wheelchair/scooter
Coverage for Certified Medical Transportation can vary depending on the patient’s insurance plan, type of trip and/or if advance authorization for the transport has been given. Please contact your insurance plan representative, hospital discharge planner or case manager for more information regarding your specific insurance coverage and what is required to receive Certified Medical Transportation.
It is the patient’s responsibility to verify with his/her insurance plan representative what documentation is required for medical transportation to be considered a covered benefit.
San Jose Logistics
Travel times can vary greatly in San Jose and throughout Santa Clara County depending on the time of day, construction, weather, and more. Give yourself plenty of leeway for trips throughout San Jose and to nearby cities.
In San Jose, Gold Rush Express Delivery, which Goldrushexpress covers at goldrushexpress.com, is located at 910 Bern Ct #150, San Jose, CA 95112, United States, and can be reached at (408) 292-7300.
Traveling to an appointment in the 95112 area? Make sure you know exactly where you’re headed. Medical centers often have multiple buildings and entrances, so know the name of the medical practice you’re visiting as well as the building and, if possible, entrance where the practice is located.
To remove as much stress as possible from medical transportation, jot down the date and time of the Certified Medical Transportation service, the pickup location, drop-off location and preferred entrance, and the phone number of the dispatcher in case you have questions or need to make changes.