Requesting Patient Transport: Options for Transport to the Hospital

If your father needs to go to the hospital and you cannot drive, there are several options for patient transport. It is important to know what is available and how to request it so that your father can travel safely and comfortably.

What is assisted transport and how do you request it?

Assisted transport is an option for people who cannot travel independently by public transport or taxi. This transport is intended for medical appointments or social visits. A volunteer helps you at departure, accompanies you to the destination, and brings you back home.

To request patient transport, you must first register as a client. Then you discuss the date of the trip, the required assistance at departure and arrival, the accompaniment, and the reimbursement. It is important to know that there may be a waiting list due to a shortage of drivers. This means that a request does not immediately confirm the trip. Therefore, always check availability and costs before relying on it.

Do you want to know more about how to approach this?

What role does the health insurer play in patient transport?

The health insurer plays an important role in patient transport. When you request patient transport, the health insurer may reimburse the costs, depending on your policy and the situation. This could be taxi transport if you cannot travel by yourself.

Requesting patient transport can be done in various ways, such as through your general practitioner or directly with the health insurer. It is important to check what conditions apply for reimbursement of transport to the hospital.

Here are some steps to request patient transport:

• Check your health insurance: See what reimbursements for patient transport are included in your policy.
• Request a referral: This can often be done through your general practitioner or specialist.
• Contact your health insurer: Inquire about the possibilities for taxi transport or other forms of transport.
• Keep receipts: Track all costs, as these may sometimes be deductible for tax purposes.

If you need an escort, it may also be that the health insurer covers these costs. It is good to discuss this in advance. Do you have specific questions about your situation?

What are the options for taxi transport?

There are various options for taxi transport if you want to request patient transport.

• Regiotaxi Haaglanden: This is a door-to-door taxi that you can use at a discount through the Wmo. You request this by making a Wmo notification at your municipality. The municipality assesses what you need, and you pay a personal contribution through the CAK.

• Elderly bus from Palet Welzijn: This bus runs two fixed lines (65 and 66) through Zoetermeer and is available for residents who have mobility issues or are 65 years or older. You do not need an indication for this bus, and sometimes there are volunteers who accompany you.

It is good to see which option best fits your situation. Have you thought about which transport option you would like to use?

How can you arrange your own transport?

There are several ways to arrange your own transport to the hospital or for treatments. If you want to request patient transport, there are a few options to consider.

• Own car: You can drive your own car to the hospital. This gives you the freedom to go at your own time.
• Taxi: Taxi transport can be a good option, especially if you do not have your own transport. Check if your health insurance covers taxi transport.
• Escort: If your loved one needs assistance, it may be convenient to travel together. This can be a friend, family member, or a professional escort.

It is important to discuss what the best option is in advance, especially if the care demand increases. Don't forget to look at reimbursements for transport to the hospital so that you are not faced with unexpected costs.

Have you thought about which option best suits you?

What are the possibilities for voluntary rides?

There are various possibilities for voluntary rides to the hospital or for treatments.

Assisted transport is an option for people who cannot travel independently. A volunteer can help with departure, accompany you to the destination, and bring you back home. This can be for medical appointments or social visits. You must first register as a client and then request the ride. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting list due to a shortage of drivers. You can get more information through the counter:assisted-transport.

Additionally, there is Regiotaxi Haaglanden for people with mobility issues. This is a door-to-door taxi that you can use at a discount through the Wmo. For short distances, a mobility scooter can also be a solution. For this, you need to make a Wmo notification at the counter:municipality. The municipality will assist you in applying, and you pay a personal contribution through the CAK.

Finally, the Elderly bus from Palet Welzijn runs two fixed lines for residents who have mobility issues or are 65 years or older. You do not need an indication for this, and sometimes there are volunteers who can accompany you.

Do you have specific questions about any of these options?