Question 1

What is long distance non emergency medical transportation?

Accepted Answer

Long distance NEMT is scheduled, non-emergency transport for medically stable patients traveling 200+ miles — between cities, counties, or states — with trained medical attendants and vehicles equipped for wheelchair, stretcher, or ambulatory care.

Question 2

How is long distance NEMT different from an ambulance?

Accepted Answer

Ambulances are for emergencies with lights and sirens and are billed at emergency rates. Long-distance NEMT is for stable patients who need clinical oversight and appropriate equipment on a planned, scheduled long-distance trip — at a fraction of the cost.

Question 3

How far will you drive for a single transport?

Accepted Answer

There is no upper limit. We regularly complete 500–3,000 mile coast-to-coast transports in a single trip, with two-driver teams and planned rest stops so the patient keeps moving safely.

Question 4

Do you serve every U.S. state?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Compassion Care coordinates long-distance medical transports in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., including cross-country and border-state routes.

Question 5

How much does long distance medical transportation cost?

Accepted Answer

Long-distance NEMT is typically priced per loaded mile plus a base rate, with add-ons for stretcher, RN escort, oxygen, or overnight lodging. Most families receive a flat, all-inclusive quote within 30 minutes of calling.

Question 6

Can insurance pay for long distance medical transport?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Medicare and most private insurance do not cover non-emergency long-distance transport, but many long-term care policies, VA benefits, workers' comp, and case-managed Medicaid waivers do. We provide the documentation families need to submit for reimbursement.

Question 7

How far in advance should I book a long distance transport?

Accepted Answer

48–72 hours is ideal for multi-state trips so we can confirm crew, route, and lodging. Same-day and next-day hospital discharges are handled routinely by our 24-hour dispatch.

Question 8

Do you provide bed-to-bed service on long distance trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our attendants pick the patient up from their room or bed at the origin facility and stay with them until they are safely settled into the bed at the destination — home, hospital, rehab, or assisted living.

Question 9

What happens on multi-day cross-country transports?

Accepted Answer

Trips over roughly 12 hours use a two-attendant team with planned rest stops, meals, medication timing, and — when needed — overnight lodging at ADA-accessible hotels so the patient stays comfortable the entire route.

Question 10

Can a family member ride along on a long distance transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Sprinter vehicles have comfortable seating for one or two family members or caregivers to ride along at no additional vehicle cost.

Compassion Care
Long Distance
Medical Transportation