Many people associate the idea of medical transport with air ambulances. Air ambulances transport people who have suffered injuries to hospitals for urgent medical care. But another type of medical transport is used much more frequently: non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
NEMT has increased in popularity as more people learn the benefits of traveling with experienced medical professionals on commercial flights. From air travel assistance for seniors to bringing people back to the United States after suffering an injury or medical event abroad, medical escort services provide medical support and travel coordination for those who have difficulty traveling alone.
Many people might remain unaware that NEMT is a service available to them at far less cost than an air ambulance. Alternative medical transport options offer a cost-effective, comfortable and personalized option compared to air ambulance services.
Differences Between Air Ambulance and NEMT
When it comes to medical transportation, patients have a range of options. These options vary based on factors such as the urgency of the situation and the patient’s medical condition and travel distance. Air ambulances and NEMT both involve flying for medical transportation, but they serve different purposes.
Air Ambulance
Air ambulances are primarily used in emergency situations, often employing helicopters. They typically transport patients to trauma centers or intensive care units. Common scenarios for air ambulance use include accidents or natural disasters, where helicopters quickly transport patients in need of immediate medical attention. For longer distances, planes may be used.
Regardless of the aircraft type, air ambulances are equipped with emergency medical equipment to handle any in-flight emergencies. They also are expensive, with bills for air ambulances running well into the five figures.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
Alternative medical transport, as provided by services like Flying Angels, provides medical transportation under non-emergency circumstances. Depending on the situation, ground transportation or commercial airline flights are used, or sometimes both.
NEMT services make use of both domestic and international airlines to make travel arrangements. With Flying Angels, each patient is assigned a flight coordinator who manages all travel plans, including booking flights and organizing any necessary ground transportation. Additionally, a flight nurse is assigned to accompany the patient throughout the entire journey, ensuring they have any required medical devices or medications and are equipped to handle potential medical emergencies.
Reasons To Use Medical Escort Services Rather Than Air Ambulances
People should know the difference so they can choose the service that most meets their needs. In short, unless it’s an emergency, non-emergency medical transport is the way to go. NEMT services are more cost-effective compared to air ambulance services. NEMT services such as Flying Angels also have the capability to arrange both domestic and international travel.
One of the significant advantages of NEMT services is the presence of a dedicated flight nurse. This nurse is trained to manage medical emergencies and equipped to provide any necessary care during the flight. They also ensure the patient has all required medical devices and medications.
The flight nurse in NEMT services stays with the patient throughout the entire journey, from departure to arrival. This continuous care is reassuring for both the patient and their family, providing a sense of security and peace of mind.
As the need for medical transportation that doesn’t necessitate air ambulance services has increased, so has the popularity of NEMT. It provides patients and their families with a more cost-effective option for medical transportation. Various situations call for the use of NEMT, and services like Flying Angels have simplified the process of arranging medical transportation for those in need.
For patients, traveling with a flight nurse who works with a non-emergency transport company can make their journey much less stressful. However, it also offers huge benefits for families, taking the stress of travel arrangements off their hands and giving them the peace of mind in knowing their loved ones are not traveling alone.
NEMT supports families by taking on many of the tasks that can make medical transport stressful, whether it’s a trip home after a hospital discharge or a long-distance journey that requires the presence of a flight nurse.
Navigating healthcare is a complex and challenging task even when in perfect health. It’s even more difficult for the elderly, the injured or those with chronic conditions that impede mobility. For both patients and their families, NEMT provides a consistent, reliable service.
Ways NEMT Supports Families, Patients
NEMT has emerged as a lifeline for patients facing mobility challenges and their families. The medical transport services offered by NEMT companies make a significant impact on the lives of families, offering them the support and assurance they need.
Reliability and Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of NEMT is its reliability. Traditional transportation options can be unreliable, causing stress and anxiety for both caregivers and patients. NEMT services are specifically designed to cater to individuals who face challenges when traveling alone, providing experienced nurses who accompany clients on their journey. This reliability gives families peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones will reach their destinations safely.
Specialized Care and Assistance
NEMT supports families and patients in areas beyond just transportation. They often offer specialized care and assistance tailored to the unique needs of their passengers. Trained flight nurses understand the challenges that individuals with disabilities or elderly family members may face during transit. They are equipped to provide necessary support, such as helping with navigating the airport, working with airlines and airports to make any special arrangements, and helping passengers board and find the best possible seat on the plane. These services provide clients comfort and security during the journey, greatly reducing the stress for both clients and their families.
Cost-Efficiency
Traditional transportation options, especially in cases of medical emergencies, can be financially burdensome. NEMT services offer a cost-effective solution, eliminating the need for expensive ambulance services for non-emergency situations.
Ground Transportation
NEMT services also include ground transportation to and from the airport. In the case of Flying Angels, a wheelchair van is used to transport patients, or a professional car service for those with minimal mobility issues. In most cases, RNs transport patients in customized reclining wheelchairs, which allow RNs to transfer patients from their bedside to the reclining wheelchair, then load them directly into a wheelchair van and to the airport. At the airport they ride through until they get to the aircraft where they are transferred to a first-class seat, often using a customized transfer slings. The use of these reclining wheelchairs is one of the services that sets Flying Angels apart from other NEMT companies.
Flexibility in Scheduling
NEMT services are designed to accommodate the unique scheduling needs of families. For those traveling long-distance, even to international locations, NEMT professionals can book all the arrangements in addition to providing support and care during the journey.
NEMT has emerged as a crucial support system for families facing the challenges of providing care to individuals with special needs or elderly relatives. By easing the burden of transportation logistics, NEMT empowers families to focus on what truly matters – the health and well-being of their loved ones.
Each client has their own unique needs and challenges when it comes to non-emergency medical transport (NEMT). That’s why the highest quality companies offer personalized medical transport that meets their clients’ needs and provides them with a safe, comfortable journey.
NEMT services continue to grow in popularity because, for many people, traveling without support on a commercial airline, or to and from a medical appointment, is a daunting task. For those with injuries or conditions that impede mobility, it is an almost impossible task to fly alone. NEMT services take the worry out of medical transport, allowing people to have the peace of mind that they will receive support throughout their journey.
People should expect a high-level of service and expert medical attention when using personalized medical transport. NEMT operates on the concept that healthcare doesn’t just happen within the confines of a hospital or clinic. It extends to the journey to get there and back again.
NEMT companies should also acknowledge that one size does not fit all, and that individuals have different requirements when it comes to transportation.
The service starts with an RN flight coordinator. These licensed, experienced nurses consult with clients to determine their individual needs. This includes any injuries and chronic conditions they have, as well as any special medical equipment or medication they use.
RN flight coordinators keep this information in mind as they make all the arrangements for the client’s journey, booking the flights and contacting airport and airline personnel ahead of time to make any needed arrangements.
All this happens before the journey begins. During the trip, an experienced flight nurse accompanies the client. They oversee medical equipment, track medication use and work with airlines and the flight crew for any needed accommodations. They also have the skills and experience to provide any medical attention needed and are specially trained to work at high altitudes.
Making Hospitals Discharges Less Stressful
Many people associated NEMT with transport on commercial airlines. However, some NEMT companies offer a range of services related to medical transportation. For example, they can arrange transportation for a hospital discharge, making it part of the discharge plans created while patients are in the hospital.
Patients also travel from the hospital to their destination with an experienced nurse. They get quality medical care after their discharge, a less stressful experience leaving the hospital and the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced clinical healthcare professional with them on every step of the journey.
Compassionate, Flexible Support For Your Journey
Another important aspect of personalized medical transport is the compassion and care that RN flight coordinators and flight nurses bring to their job. They receive specialized training in assisting individuals with varying needs, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.
NEMT companies also recognize that a certain amount of flexibility is needed to make the journey go as easy as possible. Personalized medical services understand the importance of punctuality and flexibility. However, they also recognize that things can occur during a trip to throw things off schedule, which is why they always come prepared for any challenges.
NEMT services also leverage technology to facilitate communication between clients and service providers, allowing for seamless updates and adjustments to travel plans. This level of convenience ensures that clients can focus on their health, rather than worrying about logistics.
As healthcare evolves, so must the services that support it. Personalized NEMT represents a significant leap forward in ensuring that every individual, regardless of their unique needs, has access to quality care.
By recognizing that transportation is an integral part of healthcare, and tailoring services accordingly, personalized NEMT services are revolutionizing the way people approach medical accessibility. They’re not just getting clients from one place to another; they’re providing a vital lifeline for those in need. In doing so, they’re nurturing a culture of empathy and inclusivity in healthcare.
Flying Angels stands out not just for their expertise but also for their commitment to the case management community. As a regular sponsor of both Regional and National conferences of the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), they demonstrate their dedication and deep roots within case management.
Flying Angels provides unparalleled support for case managers, offering high-quality care for patients traveling by commercial airline. Their seasoned flight nurses guarantee safety and comfort, ensuring all medical needs are met throughout every journey.
The Advantages of Medical Transport with Flight Nurses
For case managers who want patients to have quality care while traveling, non-emergency medical transport specialists offer what they need. Flying with a travel nurse offers a range of benefits, especially for individuals with medical needs or those who require additional assistance during air travel. Flying Angels travel nurses have experience in providing care in emergency situations and have trained in providing care at high altitudes.
For those with complex medication schedules or who require injections or infusions, a travel nurse ensures all medications are administered correctly and on time throughout the journey. Travel nurses also provide support for patients with mobility issues. They can assist with transfers, help patients in and out of their seats and ensure they have access to any mobility aids they may require during the flight.
Travel nurses also work with individualized care plans to meet the specific needs of their patients. This can include dietary restrictions, mobility accommodations and any other medical requirements that may be necessary during the flight.
Perhaps one of the most important forms of support involves emotional support. For those with medical conditions or mobility issues, traveling can be a stressful experience. A travel nurse offers emotional support, reassurance and companionship throughout the journey, helping alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. They also can advocate for patients with airlines and airplane staff, if needed.
How Flying Angels Supports Case Managers
The trained healthcare professionals who work at Flying Angels can provide case managers much-needed support in managing travel of patients, especially for those rare cases when patients might need to travel to specialty medical appointments by commercial airline.
NEMT services provide a vital lifeline for patients who may have difficulty navigating flying on a commercial airline alone. Case managers work closely with these experts to arrange convenient and timely transport for their patients. This eliminates the stress and logistical challenges that patients might face when trying to travel long distances or even internationally for specialized medical treatments or procedures.
Every patient is unique, and their transportation needs can vary significantly. Some may require wheelchair-accessible vehicles, while others may need assistance during boarding and disembarking. Experts at Flying Angels specialize in arranging a wide range of services to accommodate these diverse needs. Case managers collaborate with these experts to ensure that each patient receives the level of support that best suits their individual requirements.
Similar to how associations like the Aging Life Care Association® offer invaluable resources to families through consultation, assessment, care coordination, and advocacy, Flying Angels acts as a vital link for case managers. They serve as direct advocates for their patients, playing an integral part in every stage of their medical journey.
Making Medical Transportation More Efficient
Coordinating transportation for patients can be a complex task. Medical transport experts have the experience and resources to streamline this process, often resulting in cost savings for the patient. Case managers rely on their expertise to make efficient and economical transport arrangements.
NEMT experts also ensure patient safety and comfort. They are trained to handle various medical scenarios and ensure patients travel safely and comfortably. They understand how to handle equipment, provide necessary medical support and respond appropriately to any unforeseen situations.
One of the primary goals of case managers is to ensure patients receive consistent and uninterrupted care. Non-emergency transport experts play a crucial role in achieving this objective. By providing reliable and timely transportation, they help patients attend specialty treatments or surgeries that may be located far from their place of residence, as recommended by their healthcare providers. This contributes to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for patients.
Non-emergency transport experts can play a vital role in supporting case managers in their mission to provide the best possible care for their patients. By working in tandem, case managers and non-emergency transport experts form a powerful team dedicated to the well-being and comfort of patients in need.
In recent years, the landscape of medical travel has undergone a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on providing comfortable medical travel solutions for patients who want to travel with experienced medical professionals when flying on commercial airlines.
Flying Angels specializes in providing medical travel solutions in the non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) field. NEMT involves having a flight nurse travel on a commercial flight with those who have injuries, chronic conditions or medical disorders that impede their mobility and ability to travel alone. The list of Flying Angels services range from senior relocations and hospital discharges to long-distance medical transportation and providing travel companions.
As more people explore healthcare options, the concept of comfortable medical travel solutions has gained prominence, offering not only top-notch medical care but also a seamless and pleasant experience for patients and their families.
The Importance of Medical Travel Solutions
When it comes to NEMT, comfort and well-being are of paramount importance. Whether patients are relocating to a new home or flying for a specialized medical appointment, the journey should be as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Fortunately, NEMT is evolving to prioritize the comfort and needs of patients, offering a new level of convenience and care.
One of the key elements of comfortable NEMT solutions is personalized assistance. Trained flight nurses who understand the unique needs of patients provide support throughout the journey. Whether it’s helping people navigate airport security, the onboarding process or finding the best seats on the plane, flight nurses ensure that the experience runs as smoothly as possible.
An RN flight coordinator books all the flights for clients, working in advance with airports and airlines to ensure that they provide the services needed. They oversee all arrangements, including all reservations, handling all travel-related paperwork, arranging for special accommodations, anticipating any challenges for the trip and managing them efficiently, and quickly addressing any travel delays, flight changes and cancellations.
Taking a Patient-Centered Approach
As an NEMT company, Flying Angels provides comfortable medical travel solutions by prioritizing a patient-centered approach. This means understanding the unique preferences and needs of each patient and tailoring the flight experience accordingly.
Travel can be stressful, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs. Patients can rest assured that they will arrive at their destination safely and on time, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.
Flying Angels also recognizes the importance of maintaining patients’ dignity and independence. By offering assistance that is respectful and considerate, these solutions empower patients to retain a sense of control over their transportation experience. This can have a positive impact on their overall emotional well-being.
The evolution of NEMT solutions reflects a commitment to enhancing the patient experience from start to finish. The emphasis on comfort, personalized assistance, accessibility and patient-centered care redefines how individuals access medical care. As the industry continues to innovate, patients can look forward to a journey that prioritizes their comfort, well-being and overall peace of mind.
