Article: When it comes to non-emergency medical transport, you can get it paid for by Medicare and other insurances, but it has to be ordered by a doctor and be medically necessary. If a person you are caring for needs this kind of transport, first talk to the doctor. If the person doesn't qualify for transport, you can still book transport for them if they can pay for it out of pocket. Most doctor's offices will have a preferred transport service that they will call if you don't have the preference. In fact, in some states, the doctor's office must book the transport for you to be covered under Medicaid or Medicare. However, you can also choose a transport company yourself if you are paying for the service out-of-pocket. Look for non-emergency medical transport in the phone book or online.  If you're unsure which one to choose, ask for a recommendation at the doctor's office. Another way to help you narrow choices is to ask the transport company if they are authorized for Medicare or Medicaid. Companies that are contracted by the government for these services must meet certain standards. You can also ask about their safety record. If they're not willing to discuss it with you or send you information, they are likely not very safe. Cost is of course a factor when choosing a medical transport company. For instance, even if your transport is covered by Medicare, you'll likely need to pay the 20% co-pay. Therefore, it's a good idea to call several places to figure out which will be the cheapest for you overall. Some companies may require prepayment, particularly if you're not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Once you have a medical appointment scheduled for the person, generally the doctor's office will schedule the transport for the person if they need it and if they qualify for it. Be sure to let the office know that the person needs transportation to the appointment. Obviously, emergency transportation services are reserved for when it's an emergency. If the person needs immediate care, due to a fall or other serious injury or illness, then calling an ambulance is appropriate. Generally, this service is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to the doctor. Choose a medical transport company. Compare costs. Make an appointment. Use 911 for an emergency.