Chronically ill patients can be a major source of concern for family members. Apart from worrying about their recurring medical expenses, family members need to think of another important aspect too, i.e. transportation. This is because such patients need frequent access to life-saving health services to remain in fit conditions. While some might need therapies on daily basis, there are many who have to visit the physician for weekly consultation. Providing a separate car for such patients may not be possible especially for families belonging to low-income groups. In such a scenario, non-emergency medical transportation can be of great help. Before talking about such transportation services, let’s take a look at the overall chronic illness scenario.
Chronic diseases – some basic facts and stats
Key chronic diseases include Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart disease, Stroke, kidney disease, Cancer and Obesity. Over 133 million Americans, on an average, 1 in 2 adults, suffer from at least one chronic ailment. Around one-fourth of chronically ill persons experience limitations in their daily activities which include commuting too. There has been a staggering rise in the percentage of U.S. adults and children affected by chronic illnesses. While it was only 1.8% in the 1960s, the number has risen to 7% in 2004. According to the National Health Interview Survey done from 1999 to 2009, around 7% covered under Medicaid has reported transportation as a major barrier to accessing primary healthcare treatment on a daily basis. Then almost 0.6% patients covered under private insurances blamed it on transport problems for missing their doctor or therapist appointments.
Significance of transportation services for chronically ill patients
It’s hard to explain the significance in a single word. The patient might need to visit the dialysis centre on a daily basis. Those who have opted for behavioral health services have to visit the rehab regularly. If detected with severe heart conditions then at least weekly once consultation with the physician is very necessary. Those suffering from Arthritis or any other chronic painful condition might have to visit their therapists every day. Cancer or other terminal conditions demand regular doctor’s surveillance. Apart from this many chronic diseases can result in temporary or even worst, permanent immobility. This means that the patients have to depend on a reliable transportation service if he/she doesn’t own personal vehicle.
How non-emergency medical transportation can help chronic patients
To begin with, you can book the service on a very short notice. There are many service providers that offer round-the-clock transportation assistance, which means you won’t miss any appointment irrespective of the odd time slot. If you are suffering from a chronic illness and need some specific vehicle because of movement problem, the transportation company arranges that too. Patients who need to commute on a daily basis to the healthcare centre can opt for packages which sometimes come at discounted rates. Non-emergency transports can be booked occasionally too, if you don’t need the service regularly.
Before hiring the non-emergency medical transportation service provider, do have a detailed talk with the company executive. Clarify package rates and related terms so as to avoid any misunderstanding at a later stage.
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