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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,172
Registered: ‎11-15-2011

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,469
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

 

 

 

There are many elements: wind, fire, water
But none quite like the element of surprise
Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,238
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,187
Registered: ‎07-26-2014

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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. rolleyes.gif 

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."


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Super Contributor
Posts: 495
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

[ Edited ]

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!

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,504
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all
Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?


@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. 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,816
Registered: ‎03-24-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

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.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,469
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?

@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.  

There are many elements: wind, fire, water
But none quite like the element of surprise
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,458
Registered: ‎06-10-2015

Re: Has anyone ever used a medical escort service?


@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.