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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,458
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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. Cat Wink

Valued Contributor
Posts: 612
Registered: ‎12-03-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

[ Edited ]

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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 495
Registered: ‎09-05-2013

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,177
Registered: ‎06-28-2011

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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

Super Contributor
Posts: 371
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

[ Edited ]

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.

 

“There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little.” —Jackie French Koller
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?


@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. Cat Wink



@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. Cat Wink


 

 

 

@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)

hckynut(john)
Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,916
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,458
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

@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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,458
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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

Honored Contributor
Posts: 43,242
Registered: ‎01-08-2011

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

What a neat service!