topic Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service? in Wellness

Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

noodleann — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:32:45 GMT

Medical escort services are firms that provide someone who can drive you to a doctor or hospital for a medical procedure requiring sedation, show up and sign you out when you're ready to go home and drive you there. I am not sure if they also provide the 24-hour companion service that many hospitals now require after having sedation or a procedure, but it's possible to hire a home nurse for that.

Anyone who's single and isolated or suddenly finds that friends have died, moved away, or become too incapacitated themselves to help will understand the value of this service. I have never had a colonoscopy because of this requirement, and had both cataract surgeries done without sedation to avoid issues (I had a friend who both transported me and stayed with me, but he's since married and moved away).

I've started making inquiries about such a service at my two local hospitals, but wondered if anyone had ever used an escort and how it worked out.

@hckynut, please don't beat me up because of the colonoscopy. I have gotten the occult test done nearly every year. Yuck.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

KLm — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:52:41 GMT

No, I haven't used such a service. I would ask my doctor or the support nurse for a recommendation. Edited to add....at one time I thought I might need such a service because I was going to be in a hospital hours from my home, so I understand the stress this can cause. Luckily, I was able to remain in my own city, and didn't have to explore this. I would also look on care.com.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Carolm — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:48:50 GMT

I would be very interested in the responses you get to this question. I always feel its such an imposition to ask friends or family to take time to accompany me to hospital procedures. I hope you get positive responses.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

susan kay — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:49:28 GMT

@noodleann, I've never heard of this service, but I definitely appreciate the information!

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

TeezNu — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:52:46 GMT

I used a service several years ago, that was recommended to me by the place where I got my colonoscopy. I had to be there very early in the morning - 6:30 am, I believe. It worked out just fine. The lady arrived to pick me up even a little early, drove me to the place, and came inside to deliver me to the medical people. When I awoke from the procedure several hours later, the lady was called and arrived promptly to take me home. She walked me to my front door, and insured that I got inside ok. The process worked out just fine.

In a few weeks, I will be having hip surgery, and will need a ride to the hospital very early in the morning. I plan to ask the hospital social worker for a referral for this service. I think a referral from the hospital will insure the most reliable source.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

hckynut — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 20:55:06 GMT

@noodleann wrote:
Medical escort services are firms that provide someone who can drive you to a doctor or hospital for a medical procedure requiring sedation, show up and sign you out when you're ready to go home and drive you there. I am not sure if they also provide the 24-hour companion service that many hospitals now require after having sedation or a procedure, but it's possible to hire a home nurse for that.

Anyone who's single and isolated or suddenly finds that friends have died, moved away, or become too incapacitated themselves to help will understand the value of this service. I have never had a colonoscopy because of this requirement, and had both cataract surgeries done without sedation to avoid issues (I had a friend who both transported me and stayed with me, but he's since married and moved away).

I've started making inquiries about such a service at my two local hospitals, but wondered if anyone had ever used an escort and how it worked out.

@hckynut, please don't beat me up because of the colonoscopy. I have gotten the occult test done nearly every year. Yuck.

@noodleann

My reasons for this being my favorite forum has nothing to do with "beating you up", or anyone else that posts here. Sounds like you have read at least 1 of my "soap box" suggestions when it comes to having a Colonoscopy.

Each person can weigh their own "value to risks" when it comes to making their own choice. What decision they make is what they believe may be the right one for them(you), but I have my own opinion and many times have something to say about their decision.

I believe you are saying "please don't beat me up" in jest, and that is the way I take it.

A very helpful thread for those that are in the situations that you mention in this thread, and I thank you for sharing it with those of us that visit this forum. One never knows if they might find themselves in those situations, or may already have them. If so, you gave them some very valuable knowledge.

hckynut(john)

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

chrystaltree — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:01:20 GMT

No, I have never heard of such a service. I know the hospital I work for doesn't offer it and I doubt seriously that they recommend one to patients. It must be something patients arrange for themselves. I can't really see myself coming home from hospital sedated with a complete stranger. I believe that most, if not all, hospitals would arrange for post procedure observation if a patient was open and honest and explained that they just do not have anyone who could escort them home or stay with them. You'd probably have to speak with social services and your doctor but the hospital would work something out. This escort serive by heaven only knows who just makes me nervous.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

noodleann — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:02:05 GMT

@hckynut, yes, yes, of course I was funning. I'm sorry, I should have considered how that could sound. My apologies for the thoughtlessness.

Yes, I hope there are more stories about how this has worked out. I will see what the two hospitals near me recommend, if anything. I'm in a semi-rural area where everyone seems to have 20 close relatives nearby, so the need might not have arisen sufficient to power a business. I know the hospital/doctor staff cannot help because of liability issues.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

noodleann — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:02:53 GMT

@TeezNu, thanks so much for that feedback. It's great to hear about positive experiences.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

ECBG — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:05:44 GMT

What a neat service!

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Zhills — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:18:19 GMT

I recently inquired about taxi service in town and one who answered said he drove for one and to inquire about it. I didn't, but he highly recommended it.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Bird mama — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:46:32 GMT

I got into a long discussion with the GI doctor's nurse practitioner last fall when I went to see him to schedule a colonoscopy. She insisted someone be there to wait for me. I said, so what happens when I get older and there is no one. Why can't I just call a cab?

It really annoyed me to impose on my sister, who took the day off of work. I just need a ride - I don't need someone to stay with me once I get home. I told my sister to go home or do something fun about an hour after she brought me home.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 21:47:58 GMT

I had a colostomy last year because I'd had a diverticulitis attack and was in the hospital for 5 days.

My daughters were worried about me. I don't EVER want my girls to worry about me. Two of them are raising 4 and 3 children and have enough on their minds so I had one.

My oldest daughter drove me, stayed with me and took me home. There wasn't much to the whole thing. I think other people who've had it do a disservice to others by acting like it's so terrible, they frighten others.

I equate it to having a baby. Many people have babies and everyone wants to bla bla about their experience. Sometimes people are so dramatic about what happened to them. Stupid really.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Mz iMac — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 22:46:22 GMT

I have never heard of this type service. Will do some research in my neck of the woods.

A few years ago I had dental sedation. My mother was out of the country, I did not want to depend on "friends or neighbors," SO was working.

I called a cab. I explained to the cab company the situation. The cab driver took me to the dentist & left. When I "awoke," the cab driver was waiting for me. He got a nice tip for that.

I received a so called medical reduction in the cab fare.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

cantdrive55 — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 23:43:09 GMT

lI used a medical escort service three years ago, and it worked out fine. I went out of town for a procedure because I believed I would get the best care available (and I did!!) and this was required by the doctor and hospital.

In that city, there were 2 agencies; I called and interviewed both. Each charged by the hour, and booked a minimum of four hours. It was a necessary expense, and a business arrangement. The person probably worked for that agency as a home health aide.

It was a very good solution and i would hire a medical escort again.

Good luck with your test. The minor discomfort of the prep & slight embarrassment are well worth the benefits!

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Moonchilde — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 23:25:46 GMT

I have used a service like this - transportation, groceries, errands. It's like Uber with extra benefits. It wasn't cheap, though.

When I had my first cataract surgery, I used the service to the Surgery Center and home again. When I had the second surgery I used Uber to get there, the service to get home, because it was $60 minimum each way. The SC was something like 3-4 miles from my apt, tops.

The women who picked me up and drove me were very sweet and personable, and caring. No one escorted me to/from my door because there was nowhere to park (ever) there, but under different circumstances they prbably would have.

I was satisfied, but found it very expensive for what was essentialy Uber that goes inside to get you.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Kachina624 — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:26:20 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
No, I have never heard of such a service. I know the hospital I work for doesn't offer it and I doubt seriously that they recommend one to patients. It must be something patients arrange for themselves. I can't really see myself coming home from hospital sedated with a complete stranger. I believe that most, if not all, hospitals would arrange for post procedure observation if a patient was open and honest and explained that they just do not have anyone who could escort them home or stay with them. You'd probably have to speak with social services and your doctor but the hospital would work something out. This escort serive by heaven only knows who just makes me nervous.

@chrystaltree I don't know about you, but when I finish a colonoscopy, I'm wide awake and rearin' to go. Same with any conscious sedation. The afternoon after I had cataract surgery in the morning, I went to the dentist. I don't need a driver but the clinics have to cover themselves.

I've never used a medical escort as I have a "you drive me, I'll drive you" agreement with friends. I have seen their vehicles around town and wouldn't hesitate to use them.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Mustang Shar — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:44:59 GMT

When my disabled Mom was alive, I used a Medical transport company, wheelchair access. We always had the same man, he was very nice! This is who I will call when I need a procedure done. I found him through a nursing home recommendation, but I'm sure they can be found under Medical Transport search.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

Bird mama — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:47:41 GMT

@Kachina624

I'm the same way. I go from unconscious to 'all the way live'. After my colonoscopy, I was out then I was awake. The doctor walked over to my sister and began a conversation and I said, excuse me, I'm right here, why are you talking to her? When my sister brought me home she stared at me honestly 45 minute tops and said, wow, you are awake.

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

noodleann — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:48:49 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@chrystaltree wrote:
No, I have never heard of such a service. I know the hospital I work for doesn't offer it and I doubt seriously that they recommend one to patients. It must be something patients arrange for themselves. I can't really see myself coming home from hospital sedated with a complete stranger. I believe that most, if not all, hospitals would arrange for post procedure observation if a patient was open and honest and explained that they just do not have anyone who could escort them home or stay with them. You'd probably have to speak with social services and your doctor but the hospital would work something out. This escort serive by heaven only knows who just makes me nervous.
@chrystaltree I don't know about you, but when I finish a colonoscopy, I'm wide awake and rearin' to go. Same with any conscious sedation. The afternoon after I had cataract surgery in the morning, I went to the dentist. I don't need a driver but the clinics have to cover themselves.

I've never used a medical escort as I have a "you drive me, I'll drive you" agreement with friends. I have seen their vehicles around town and wouldn't hesitate to use them.

I do not plan to have sedation if I'm scoped. I know it will be more uncomfortable than the unsedated cataract removal was, but it's worth it to reduce the sedation risks and be bright and bushy-tailed, if cranky, post-procedure.

Just so everyone here knows, many if not most hospitals will refuse to do procedures if you don't have a driver both ways, at mimimum, and some also require you to have a companion for 24 hours after you've had sedation. As I've researched this, I've read sad stories about refused medical care, which was my experience. (Fortunately, colonoscopies are still elective, and there are alternatives.) I read about one fellow who was prepped and gowned was discovered to not have a driver home, and the hospital cancelled the colonoscopy. So it's not an option these days, it's literally a medical necessity.

The hospital also will not necessarily "work something out" because this is all about conferring the liability to another party, from everything I read. But I've also read that if you're noncompliant and lie about the 24-hour companion, for instance, and have problems during the recovery period and need medical care as a result, your insurance may not cover the costs because you didn't follow the procedures.

It's a not-so-hot mess.