Interfacility Air Ambulance Transfer: A Guide for Families

When a loved one requires specialized medical care that isn't available at their current hospital, you may hear healthcare providers mention an interfacility air ambulance transfer. During an already stressful time, understanding this option can help you make informed decisions about your family member's care.

Understanding Interfacility Air Ambulance Transport

An interfacility air ambulance is a specialized medical aircraft that transports patients between healthcare facilities. Unlike emergency air ambulances that respond to accident scenes, interfacility transfers move patients from one hospital or medical center to another where they can receive:

• Higher levels of care
• Specialized treatment
• Services unavailable at the original facility

These transfers might involve moving a patient from a rural hospital to a major medical center, transporting someone to a facility with specialized cardiac care, or transferring a patient to a transplant center or trauma unit equipped to handle complex cases.

When Is Interfacility Air Transport Needed?

Healthcare providers typically recommend air ambulance transfers when a patient's medical condition requires immediate access to specialized care that cannot be delayed. Common situations include:

• Critical time-sensitive conditions: Cases where ground transportation would take too long, such as stroke, heart attack, or severe trauma requiring specialized surgical intervention.
• Specialized medical services: Treatments unavailable at the current facility, including advanced cardiac care, neurosurgery, burn treatment, or neonatal intensive care.
• Geographic challenges: When the receiving hospital is located in a remote area or significant distance away, making ground transport impractical.
• Medical complexity: Situations requiring continuous monitoring and advanced life support during transport that only a flight medical team can provide.

Types of Air Ambulances Used

There are two primary forms of air ambulances, each suited to different medical needs:

What to Expect During the Transfer

The medical transfer can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Medical Evaluation and Coordination: Teams at both facilities coordinate to ensure care continuity.
2. Preparation for Flight: The flight medical team stabilizes the patient and checks all life-support equipment.
3. During the Flight: The patient is monitored continuously by paramedics, nurses, or physicians trained in critical care.
4. Family Arrangements: Due to space restrictions, family members usually cannot fly in the medical aircraft.
5. Arrival and Handoff: The flight team provides a detailed medical briefing to the receiving hospital staff.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

If a transfer is recommended, consider asking the following:

• Why is air transport necessary instead of a ground ambulance?
• What specific care or services are available at the receiving facility?
• How long will the flight take?
• Can family members accompany the patient?
• What is the estimated cost, and what does our insurance cover?
• How will we receive updates during and after the transfer?

Costs and Insurance Coverage

Interfacility air ambulance transport can be expensive, often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. However, coverage is often available:

Medical Necessity: Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover air ambulance services when they are deemed medically necessary and ground transport is not appropriate.

Before the transfer (or as soon as possible after), contact your insurance provider to understand your out-of-pocket costs. Many services have financial counselors to help navigate claims.

Supporting Your Loved One and Yourself

• Stay Informed: Ask for updates from the medical team to help reduce your anxiety.
• Handle Logistics: Arrange your own transportation to the receiving facility and find local accommodations if needed.
• Seek Support: Reach out to family, friends, or hospital social workers for emotional help.
• Self-Care: Remember to eat and rest; you can support your loved one better when you are cared for.

The Bottom Line

An interfacility air ambulance transfer represents your loved one's healthcare team taking every step to provide the best possible care. While the situation may feel frightening, these services are highly coordinated processes carried out by experienced professionals.

If you have concerns or questions at any point in the process, speak up. The Global Air Ambulance team is here to help your family navigate this experience.

Contact Information

• Phone: 800-948-1220
• Availability: 24 hours per day