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Flying Angels provide non-emergency medical transport anywhere in the world on commercial aircraft with a Flight Nurse. Bedside to bedside flight nurse care, contact a RN Flight Coordinator today.
Hiring a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Service
Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) has become a critical issue for many in the United States. Those who live on low incomes often cannot afford a car of their own, much less the cost of air travel.
Sadly, that’s led to an estimated 3.6 million Americans who either delay or completely skip needed medical treatment because they simply cannot travel to receive it.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport Benefits
NEMT has made it possible for people to get that needed treatment. Provided by private companies, the cost of NEMT is far less than that of using an air ambulance to travel to distant places.
Emergency vs. Medical Transport
There are, however, issues to keep in mind when choosing a NEMT service. Consider some of the following factors when making a choice.
Experienced Flight Nurse
It’s important that the person traveling with the patient has extensive education and experience. Flying Angels, for example, only employs registered nurses to travel with patients. Check to ensure that the team working with you has all the experience necessary to handle medical situations that could arise, including education in flight physiology.
The bottom line is it’s important to have a trained medical professional on-hand, even though it’s a non-emergency situation.
Door-to-Door Service
Some NEMT companies offer ground services or air services. Some only provide transport locally, while others provide services across the country and even for international trips. It’s important to choose the Non-Emergency Medical Transport service that meets your transportation requirements.
Some companies, such as Flying Angels, coordinate every aspect of the trip. That includes ground service, air service and booking the travel arrangements. This means working with airlines, family members and medical professionals to coordinate travel plans. That’s the type of service needed if your travel involves complex arrangements.
How Do You Book Medical Travel?
Service Team Credentials
NEMT companies have become more numerous in recent years. Some media stories have even provided quick start-up guides for those who wish to simply get a license and drive people to medical appointments. That’s all well and good because such services truly are needed in every community.
However, choosing to use a Non-Emergency Medical Transport service is a big decision for most families. For those whose trips include flying, it’s best to search for companies with years of experience. Also, research the team at a company to ensure they have both medical credentials and years of training in the field.
Costs
One of the primary advantages of using a NEMT is the cost-savings in comparison to using transportation such as an air ambulance. Look for services that provide upfront estimates on what transportation costs could be to various location, such as Philadelphia-based Flying Angels does.
NEMT companies provide an important, valuable service. Keep these issues in mind when choosing one for medical transportation. It will provide the peace of mind need during what can be stressful and challenging time.
Flying Angels Bridges the Gap in NEMT for Workers’ Compensation Patients
Despite the advancement of working conditions across all industries, workplace injuries remain an unfortunate reality. Accidents in the workplace can disrupt lives in an instant, leaving both employees and employers managing the aftermath and navigating the complex world of workers’ compensation claims. Flying Angels plays an important role in providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services for workers’ compensation patients, supporting the needs of injured workers.
Flying Angels’ commitment to safety and efficiency helps ensure injured workers have access to the care they need. That reliable access is key to recovery. Workers face a wide variety of serious injuries, including severe burns, head trauma, and injuries that impact mobility. Flying Angels’ expertise in providing NEMT services bridges the gap between hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and homes, easing the journey toward recovery.
Flying Angels specializes in providing services to people flying on commercial airlines. However, the company also provides ground transportation services, including those required by injured workers, including hospital discharge transportation. They operate as a trusted partner for case or network managers and patients.
Industries Prone to Workplace Injuries
Certain industry sectors have more workplace injuries that lead to workers’ comp claims and the need for NEMT services for workers’ compensation patients. The federal government maintains records in this area, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracking the number of workers’ injuries by industry each year.
The BLS reports that in 2023 alone, more than 200,000 people who work in the accommodation and food services industry were injured in everything from slips and falls to burns and muscle injuries. Manufacturing employees also face potential challenges such as hazardous materials exposure, injuries from machinery, and burns. The manufacturing sector reported more than 326,000 injuries in 2023.
However, healthcare ranks first among all industries in the nation for on-the-job injuries. In 2023, the healthcare and social assistance sector reported 471,600 injuries and illnesses, reflecting the physical demands placed on nurses and other healthcare workers.
The Importance of NEMT Services For Workers’ Comp Patients
After a worker is injured on the job, the focus is where it should be: the health of the worker., Once they are receiving the treatment they need and their situation has stabilized, both the injured worker and their employer need to manage the practicalities of the situation. One of those is transportation.
The need for a nurse to accompany a patient during transportation, whether it’s ground transportation or on a commercial flight, occurs from a variety of injuries. Some frequent examples include TBI, SCI, CVA, or burn victims, who may require transport to specialized facilities for advanced care or rehabilitation before they can return to work.
Quality transportation for workers’ compensation patients discharged from the hospital is critically important for several reasons. Many patients require follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, or access to medications after discharge. Reliable transportation ensures they can attend these essential appointments without delays.
NEMT also promotes safety. Some patients, especially those with mobility challenges, post-surgical restrictions, or cognitive impairments, need trained personnel to transport them safely. Poor transportation options can increase the risk of injury or harm during transit.
Perhaps most importantly, discharge from the hospital can be a vulnerable time for patients and their families. Reliable, timely, and comfortable transportation reduces the stress of transitioning back home or to a care facility, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
How Flying Angels Services Support Workers’ Compensation Patients
Many types of workplace accidents result in mobility impairments, making travel more difficult. An experienced medical professional like a Flying Angels nurse can provide the care that a patient needs. As an NEMT company, Flying Angels is dedicated to addressing the specific needs of injured workers in a variety of ways.
Customized equipment. These include custom wheelchairs and comfort slings to ensure safety and support during transit.
Medical expertise. Flying Angels nurses have critical care and emergency experience and provide continuous medical supervision, ensuring the well-being of patients throughout their journey.
Comprehensive coordination. For workers’ compensation patients who need to fly, RN Flight Coordinators manage all logistics, including communication with healthcare providers, and case or network managers to streamline the process.
Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be complex. Flying Angels collaborates closely with case or network managers to ensure seamless communication, keeping all parties informed and coordinated. They can also assist in obtaining necessary authorizations to prevent delays in patient care and offer comprehensive records of transport services to support claims and ensure transparency.
With their team of highly trained flight nurses, custom equipment, and seamless coordination, Flying Angels takes the stress out of transportation, ensuring injured workers receive the care they need and the dignity they deserve. By focusing on the unique needs of injured workers and collaborating with healthcare professionals, Flying Angels provides patients with the highest standard of care during transport, aiding in their recovery and providing peace of mind to all involved.
Can I Travel with a Neuromuscular Disease?
Traveling with a neuromuscular disease presents unique challenges, but with careful planning and the right resources, it remains an achievable goal. The key to success is planning ahead and seeking the right support when needed.
Neuromuscular diseases encompass a range of conditions that impair muscle function due to nerve or muscle abnormalities. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy, among others. Each condition varies in severity and progression, necessitating personalized travel preparations to ensure safety and comfort.
Those who fly with chronic health conditions may find that traveling with a flight nurse who works with a non-emergency medical transport company can make the journey run more safely and smoothly. Flight nurses specialize in traveling with those who fly on commercial flights, giving them the peace of mind of being accompanied by a trained medical professional.
Tips For Traveling With Neuromuscular Disease
The following provides essential tips for traveling with a neuromuscular disease to ensure safety, comfort, and a stress-free experience.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before deciding to fly, consult with your healthcare provider to assess your fitness for travel and to discuss any necessary precautions. Obtain a letter from your physician detailing your medical condition, current medications, potential complications, and any special requirements. This documentation can be invaluable when navigating airport security and in the event of a medical emergency during your trip.
Plan Ahead For Medication and Insurance
Ensure you have an ample supply of medications to last the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of delays. It’s advisable to carry medications in their original packaging within your carry-on luggage to prevent issues with security and to maintain easy access. Also, verify that your health insurance provides coverage at your destination or purchase additional medical travel insurance.
Navigating Air Travel
Communication with airlines and transportation services is essential for a stress-free journey. Contact the airline in advance to arrange for special assistance, such as wheelchair services, priority boarding, or seating that accommodates your needs. If you use medical devices like ventilators or oxygen concentrators, inform the airline beforehand to ensure their compatibility with airline policies. Navigating airport security can be a challenge, but programs like TSA Cares can assist travelers with disabilities, making the process smoother.
Security procedures can be more complex for travelers with medical devices or mobility aids. Arriving at the airport earlier than usual allows ample time to navigate these processes without added stress.
In-Flight Considerations
During the flight, maintaining comfort is paramount. If mobility is limited, plan for in-flight needs such as restroom access. Some airlines provide onboard wheelchairs, but assistance may be limited. Ensure that any medical equipment has sufficient battery life for the duration of the flight, as in-seat power availability can vary between aircraft.
Accommodation and Accessibility at Destination
Research your destination thoroughly to confirm that accommodations, transportation, and planned activities are accessible and can meet your specific needs. Many hotels and venues will provide detailed information about accessibility features. Consider reaching out directly to discuss any concerns and to make necessary arrangements.
NEMT Support Services
Engaging the services of a flight nurse can provide additional support, ensuring that medical needs are managed throughout the journey. They can assist with tasks ranging from medication management to mobility support, offering peace of mind and allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels.
Also, RN flight coordinators can make all the arrangements for your trip, taking your condition into account when planning every phase of the journey.
Traveling with a neuromuscular disease requires meticulous planning and consideration of various factors to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. By consulting healthcare providers, coordinating with airlines, and using available support services, those with neuromuscular conditions can continue to explore and enjoy travel opportunities.
Flying Angels Brochure
Flying Angels provide non-emergency medical transport anywhere in the world on commercial airlines with a flight nurse. Want to learn more?
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