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When a person has a surgery or other medical procedure, oftentimes they are mandated to have an adult present who can escort them home after the procedure. Most people will contact a trusted family member or friend to assist them and escort them home safely. However, there are many cases when a family member or friend is unavailable, but the patient still needs to have someone to escort them home. That’s where medical escorts come in. You may or may not have heard the term “medical escort” before, but what do they actually do, and who are they for?  Here’s everything you need to know.

What is a Medical Escort ?

A medical escort is a non-emergency medical service usually provided to older adults who need special assistance to and from medical appointments or same-day procedures. A medical escort’s skill set is chosen depending on the patient's needs. At a minimum, they will typically be a Registered Nurse (RN) with specialized training in air transports. They can also be a medical doctor or paramedic. 

Based on the patient’s  needs, the provider may be accompanied by an ancillary staff member such as a non-medical, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The makeup of the medical escort team varies depending on patient condition and/or condition and the type of transport needed. An unstable patient is not generally a good candidate for a commercial medical escort. Depending on their medical needs, patients can choose to fly with a paramedic, a doctor with a relevant specialty (e.g. cardiology or pediatrics), or even a team of medics. 

True Care’s Medical Escorts

True Care’s courteous and seasoned medical escorts will enter the doctor’s office, sign in if requested, and wait until the procedure is completed. When authorized by the doctor, escorts accompany the client home, making sure they arrive there safely. Our medical escorts provide peace of mind for loved ones who can’t be there for every appointment or procedure.
We assist with:

• Doctor’s appointments
• Hospital trips
• Surgery accompaniment
• Vacations
• Physical therapy
• Medical travel
• Prescription pick up
• Business trips

We strive to provide our clients with care that they will want to tell everyone about. We hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure that our clients come away safe and satisfied with their care. 

Does my insurance cover medical escort services?

Depending on your specific travel medical insurance policy, your insurer may cover all costs associated with medical transport and medical escorts or only a portion of the costs. Insurance carriers usually have a set of non-emergency medical transportation requirements and rating factors you’ll need to consider. These include:

• The vehicle’s (if any) age and seating capacity – Many insurance carriers have requirements for older vehicles or vehicles exceeding a certain number of seats.
•  The age of your drivers – Younger drivers might affect your eligibility.
•  The vehicle’s features – Vehicles equipped with lightbars, sirens and life support equipment, including oxygen tanks, are typically prohibited.
•  Safety equipment and written procedures – Your insurance company might have guidelines for vehicles with wheelchair access.

Summing it Up:

A medical escort can mean the difference between accessibility and additional barriers to receiving care for many people, especially the elderly. If you or someone you know does not have a designated escort for their medical needs, or are looking to inquire about medical escort services, contact True Care today or visit our website for more information. Our service representatives are happy to answer any questions you have, and help you or a loved one get set up with medical escort services today!