How do I Organize Patient Transport to & From a CT Scan?

The companies that transport patients to health care treatment facilities are a vital supporting element of the nation's vast medical industry. The use of ground and air transportation companies constitutes a daily practice set in place by providers and medical facilities nationwide. The ability of these organizations to efficiently deliver patients to nonemergency medical appointments remains a quiet yet vastly important service that depends heavily on the adherence to scheduling guidelines, evaluating patient safety considerations and executing timely delivery

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Electronic scheduling device
• Calendar

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Instructions

• 1

  Verify the scheduled appointment time and date. Record the physical address of the treatment facility for route-mapping purposes. Contact the treatment provider to verify the appointment in advance of the scheduled date. Some medical transport companies require customers to call days in advance of the appointment date.

• 2

  Gather all supporting documentation related to the appointment. Locate consults, copies of medical records, X-ray reports and previous CT scans for review by the treatment provider during the scheduled patient visit. Protect the documents using all-weather carrying devices.

• 3

  Contact the provider to confirm that all medical records are available at the facility if this is not the first visit to the facility by the patient.

• 4

  Determine the mode of transportation that is required. If the patient is in a remote location, the need for air transport capability may arise. In addition, consider the need for wheelchair access and other special considerations required for the patient's care. This information will be vital when you make contact with a medical transporter.

• 5

  Contact local veterans service organizations or the Veterans Administration medical facility if the patient is a veteran of the armed forces. The VA hospital often provides free shuttle service to and from facilities for veteran-specific medical appointments. Inquire about shuttle services provided by state medical agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services. These agencies often provide covered transportation for sanctioned medical appointments.

• 6

  Contact local private airport shuttle providers and medical charities for additional transportation resources.

• 7

  Make an appointment for pick-up and return several days prior to the patient's scheduled appointment date. Inform the transporter of appointment location, date, time and any special considerations needed for patient transport. The provider may also require billing information for payment over the phone. Record the appointment date in an accessible location. Set reminders via email or by electronic device for assistance in keeping the scheduled appointment.

• 8

  Pay for the appointment, if needed. A private provider may need credit card information for scheduling purposes. Obtain a receipt for record-keeping and reimbursement purposes.