Mount Sinai Hospital’s Transportation Services Department is dedicated to ensuring patients receive timely and safe transport to and from their medical appointments and care facilities. Operating around the clock, 365 days a year, our team of emergency medical technicians and trained professionals delivers a comprehensive suite of transportation options tailored to meet diverse patient needs. We are committed to providing seamless Sinai Transportation, facilitating access to essential healthcare services across the Mount Sinai Health System.
Our services encompass several key areas to support patients throughout their healthcare journey. We provide transportation for patients being discharged from the hospital, whether they are returning to their homes, or moving to rehabilitation centers or skilled nursing facilities. Furthermore, Sinai transportation extends to bringing patients from their residences to outpatient appointments, including vital therapies like dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments for cancer care. We also facilitate transportation for patients participating in clinical trials at Mount Sinai.
The reach of Sinai transportation spans across the Mount Sinai Health System, serving patients at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai Brooklyn, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, Mount Sinai Queens, Mount Sinai West, and The Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as various Mount Sinai ambulatory sites. Understanding the financial aspects of medical transportation, we encourage patients to explore insurance coverage options. Social workers or caseworkers are available to assist patients in determining their coverage eligibility and navigating the necessary arrangements for Sinai transportation services.
Understanding the Types of Sinai Transportation Services Available
Sinai Transportation collaborates with a network of partners to ensure patients are transported in the most comfortable and medically appropriate manner. The type of transportation provided is carefully matched to the patient’s mobility level and medical requirements. We offer three primary types of Sinai transportation:
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Livery Car Service: This curbside-to-curbside service is designed for patients who are fully ambulatory and require transportation to or from medical appointments. It provides a convenient and comfortable option for those who do not need mobility assistance.
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Wheelchair Vans: For patients who utilize wheelchairs, our door-to-door wheelchair van service offers a secure and accessible transportation solution. These vans are equipped to safely accommodate wheelchairs and ensure a comfortable ride for patients requiring this type of assistance.
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Ambulances: Sinai Transportation provides bedside-to-bedside ambulance services for patients who are bedbound or require ongoing medical attention during transport, such as continuous oxygen administration. Our ambulances are staffed with trained professionals to monitor and address any medical needs that may arise during transit, ensuring patient safety and well-being.
To ensure that transportation arrangements are perfectly aligned with each patient’s unique medical needs, designated social workers or caseworkers play a crucial role in the coordination process. They assess patient requirements and determine the most suitable type of Sinai transportation service.
How to Arrange for Sinai Transportation Services
Typically, the initial request for Sinai transportation is initiated by hospital social workers or caseworkers, rather than directly by patients. If a patient requires transportation to a medical appointment, the first step is to connect with their social worker or caseworker. These professionals are adept at coordinating the necessary prior authorizations from the patient’s health insurance provider and fulfilling any other prerequisites for Sinai transportation.
For patients requiring ongoing transportation services, such as for regular chemotherapy or dialysis treatments, and whose insurance covers these services, direct contact with the Sinai Transportation Department is possible for arranging subsequent transports. This streamlined process simplifies logistics for patients with recurring transportation needs.
Preparing for Discharge and Sinai Transportation Home
Upon discharge from the hospital, patients utilizing Sinai transportation will be given a scheduled appointment time for their transport. The care team will diligently prepare the patient for a smooth departure, confirming several essential details to ensure a safe and well-organized transition home. The discharge preparation checklist includes:
- Home Access: Confirming the patient has their house keys readily available.
- Home Arrival Support: Ensuring someone will be present at the patient’s home upon arrival.
- Medical Equipment at Home: Verifying any necessary medical equipment is already in place at the patient’s residence.
- Caregiver and Family Awareness: Informing the patient’s caregiver and relevant family members about the discharge and arrival plans.
- Accompanying Persons: Ensuring anyone accompanying the patient home is present at the hospital in advance of the scheduled Sinai transportation time.
- Personal Belongings: Confirming the patient has collected all personal belongings, which may have been securely stored during their hospital stay.
- Care Instructions: Ensuring anyone assisting the patient at home understands the type of care needed, knows when to seek medical help, and has the appropriate contact information for support.
- Equipment Operation Knowledge: Verifying the patient or their care provider is knowledgeable about operating any medical equipment or devices required at home.
Prior to departure, every patient receives a comprehensive discharge plan. This vital document outlines the patient’s care needs post-hospitalization and details how those needs will be addressed – whether through self-care, family support, home health assistance, or a transfer to another healthcare facility. Sinai transportation is a crucial component of this discharge process, ensuring a safe and comfortable transition home for patients.
