When it comes to non-emergency medical transportation there are several different types as you’d probably expect. Some types of transportation like air medical escort are specialized for very specific types of patients while others are more generalized and designed to carry multiple patients. The types of transports available also depends on the company that owns them and the needs of their client. For example, a physical therapy center that hires a non-emergency medical transportation company will likely have vehicles that can easily transport people who are physically disabled.

Speaking of which, one of the most common types of non-emergency medical transportation are those that have a wheelchair lift. They basically look like a long van type vehicle with a lot of room in the back for the wheelchair bound individual. The back door open to reveal a lift which the person in the wheelchair rolls onto before it is raised back up into the vehicle. The top of the vehicle is usually raised up a bit to prevent the wheelchair bound individual from bumping his or her head. Some of these are big enough to hold several wheelchairs.

Another common type of non-emergency medical transport is the “bus” type. Usually much smaller than a common city bus or school bus, yet still large enough to transport quite a few people, these vehicles look like a common “church bus” in many cases. Some even look like smaller, shorter versions of recreational vehicles. These types of non-emergence medical transportation are great for transporting multiple people at the same time or making multiple pickups and drop-offs, kind of like a real bus. They also feature convenient steps and railings like an actual bus to help patients get in and out with ease. This is great for the elderly.

A newer, modern twist on non-emergency medical transportation is the SUV style transport. On the outside it looks just like any other SUV but it holds a few surprises. One feature that this type of transport tends to have is a wheelchair ramp. On some models it comes out of the back of the SUV while on others it extends from the side door. Some fancier versions are even equipped with wheelchair lifts as well. One benefit here is that the SUV types are less noticeable, great for people who don’t necessarily like being seen riding around in a medical transport.

Unsurprisingly some non-emergency medical transports are in fact ambulances. These tend to be for patients who have extensive healthcare needs during transportation. The ambulance design allows for multiple personnel to accompany the patient and for all the equipment and supplies they need to be comfortably stored aboard the transport. The main difference between this style of transport and a traditional ambulance is that this one probably won’t have lights and a siren. Of course, if the transport is essentially a re-purposed ambulance then it will have those features but likely won’t use them.

There are long-distance medical transportation services as well. Like mentioned before, if there is a specialist the patient needs to see that across the country, long-distance is preferable.

Which type of non-emergency medical transportation you use will depend on several factors. Firstly it will depend on what the company has available. It will also depend on your specific needs since the company will match you up with the transport most suitable to your healthcare situation.