Nursing Home Transportation.

Transportation involving a nursing home may connect a resident with a hospital, appointment or another living or care setting. The setting alone does not determine whether an ambulance is appropriate.

When to start the conversation

Begin with the facility’s care team. Ask what transportation is recommended and who will coordinate with the destination. Family members can help identify contacts and clarify the plan without choosing the clinical level themselves.

1. 01

   Identify the facility coordinator

   Ask which staff member is arranging transportation and who can answer care questions.
2. 02

   Clarify the purpose of the trip

   Distinguish an appointment, a hospital transfer and a move to another setting.
3. 03

   Arrange the handoff

   Confirm the receiving contact and the process for communicating timing changes.

• Who is the facility’s transportation contact?
• Does the trip include a return to the facility?
• Who will communicate the plan to the patient or family?

Contact MEDICS to discuss a transportation request. The appropriate arrangement and availability must be confirmed for the individual trip. Keep patient and medical details out of general email.

General reference: Medicare: ambulance transportation. This guide explains a category; the patient’s care team determines their care needs.