Medical Air Transport & Non-Emergency Air Ambulance

Medical Air Transport & Non-Emergency Air Ambulance

Long-distance non-emergency medical transport services deals with the transportation of individuals who require medical assistance, treatment or supervision over a considerable distance, but are in a stable non-emergency condition.

These services are designed to safely accommodate patients who are unable to travel by conventional means, such as public transportation or private vehicles, due to their medical conditions, disabilities, or other limitations.

Who Needs Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

The primary purpose of these services is to safely transport patients who do not require emergency intensive medical care, but still need medical supervision during their journey. This can include individuals who are discharged from a hospital or medical facility and need transportation to another facility for specialized care, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or their own residences.

Long-distance non-emergency medical transport services cater to a diverse range of patients, including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, patients undergoing medical treatments, or those with chronic illnesses. 

These services can be particularly helpful for individuals who are unable to travel long distances independently or require specific medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks or mobility aids, during the journey.

What Are The Options For Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

Depending on the specific needs of air ambulance and the patient, long-distance non-emergency medical transport services can utilize various modes of transportation. These may include specially equipped ambulances, medical vans, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, or even medical flight transport, such as medical helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft.

The choice of transportation mode is determined by factors like the patient's medical condition, distance to be traveled, insurance, and the level of medical assistance required.

When it's necessary for a patient to fly there are a few different options that vary drastically in cost, speed and comfort. The most commonly used options are:

• Fixed-wing air ambulance service
• Commercial medical escort service
• International commercial medical stretchers

What Is a Medical Plane?

A "medical plane" typically refers to a commercial aircraft that is chartered or modified to accommodate the transportation of patients who require medical assistance or supervision during air travel.

Sometimes you'll hear someone saying "medical plane" when they're talking about air ambulances, which are specialized aircraft dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care during transport, medical planes on commercial airlines are more focused on flying and providing logistical support and accommodations for patients with medical needs.

When a patient requires medical transport on a commercial flight, a medical team or medical escort may accompany them to provide medical care and assistance throughout the journey. 

These medical professionals may include doctors, nurses, or paramedics who are experienced in managing medical conditions during air travel. They ensure the patient's well-being, administer medications if necessary, monitor the patient care vital signs, and respond to any medical emergencies that may arise during the flight.

Non-Emergency Medical Flight Transport

1. Air Ambulance: An air ambulance are specifically equipped aircraft that provide comprehensive medical care during transportation. An air ambulance flight is suitable for patients who are critically ill, require continuous medical monitoring, or need advanced medical interventions during the journey. Air ambulances are typically staffed with a specialized medical team, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics who can administer medical treatments, monitor vital signs, and manage any medical emergencies that may arise. They are equipped with advanced equipment, such as ventilators, defibrillators, and intensive care units, to ensure the highest level of care in transit.
2. Commercial Flights with Medical Clearance: In some cases, a non-emergency medical flight can be arranged on a commercial flight. This involves coordinating with the airline and obtaining medical clearance for the patient to travel. Commercial flights with medical clearance are suitable for patients who are stable and do not require intensive medical care during the journey. The airline may provide additional assistance, such as wheelchair service or priority boarding, to accommodate the patient's needs. However, it's important to note that the level of medical support and equipment available on commercial flights is limited compared to air ambulances.
3. Medical Escorts: Medical escorts, also known as medical companions or flight nurses, are healthcare professionals who accompany patients during commercial flights. They provide medical assistance to the patient, monitoring, and support throughout the journey. Medical escorts are trained to handle various circumstances, administer medications, and respond to any emergencies that may occur during the flight. They ensure the comfort of the patient, their safety, and their well-being during travel, and they can coordinate with the airline and ground transportation services to facilitate a smooth transition from one location to another.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Flight Coordinators

Organizing long-distance non-emergency medical transport involves careful coordination and planning. Service providers typically work closely with healthcare facilities, medical professionals, and the patient's family to arrange the transport logistics. This can involve scheduling, route planning, obtaining necessary medical clearances, ensuring the availability of required medical equipment, and accommodating any specific needs of the patient during the journey.

Non-Emergency Medical Flights Costs

The cost of non-emergency medical flights can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the distance to be traveled, the type of aircraft used for medical flight, the level of medical care required, and any additional services or accommodations needed. 

It's important to note that these costs can be substantial, and they are typically not covered by standard health insurance plans.

Two major factors that can influence the cost of non-emergency medical flights and transport are:

1. Distance: The distance to be traveled is a significant factor in determining the cost. Longer distances typically result in higher costs due to increased fuel consumption and longer travel times.
2. Type of Aircraft or Vehicle: The type of aircraft used for the medical flight can impact the cost. An air ambulance, which are equipped with advanced medical equipment and staffed with specialized medical personnel, tend to be more expensive than commercial flights with medical escorts or modified commercial planes.

In some cases, long-distance non-emergency medical transport services may be covered by health insurance, particularly if the trip is deemed medically necessary. However, coverage can vary depending on the insurance provider and the person with specific circumstances. It's important for patients or their family members to consult with the insurance company to understand the coverage details and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.