Cancer treatment can involve much more than a single appointment. Depending on a patient’s treatment plan, there may be chemotherapy, radiation therapy, lab work, imaging, follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and appointments with multiple specialists. For patients and their families, coordinating transportation for all of these visits can quickly become another source of stress.
Having dependable transportation arranged in advance can make one part of the process easier. Professional non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provides patients with a safe and reliable way to get to and from cancer treatment while reducing the transportation demands placed on family members and caregivers.
Why Transportation Can Become a Challenge During Cancer Treatment
Even patients who normally drive themselves may find that transportation becomes more difficult during treatment. Fatigue, weakness, mobility limitations, or the effects of treatment may make driving uncomfortable or impractical at certain times.
Transportation needs can also change throughout treatment. A patient who is independent at the beginning of treatment may need more assistance later, or may temporarily begin using a walker or wheelchair.
Professional medical transportation provides another option when patients don’t want to rely on driving themselves, family members, friends, taxis, or rideshare services for every appointment.
Recurring Treatments Require Dependable Transportation
Cancer care frequently involves appointments that repeat over a period of weeks or months. Radiation therapy, for example, may require frequent visits, while chemotherapy and other treatments may follow their own recurring schedules.
When transportation is arranged ahead of time, patients and caregivers don’t have to start from scratch finding a ride for every appointment.
Medical transportation may be helpful for:
- Chemotherapy appointments
- Radiation treatments
- Oncology appointments
- Blood work and laboratory visits
- Imaging and diagnostic testing
- Follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Other treatment-related medical visits
Transportation Home After Treatment Matters Too
Getting to an appointment is only half of the transportation plan. Patients also need a dependable way to get home when treatment is complete.
Some patients may feel tired or weak following treatment, making the return trip particularly important to plan in advance. Knowing that transportation has already been arranged can eliminate the need to search for a ride when the patient is ready to leave.
At Reliable Medical Transportation, transportation can be scheduled for both the trip to treatment and the return home.
Additional Assistance for Patients With Mobility Challenges
Cancer patients can have very different mobility needs. Some passengers may walk independently, while others may use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
Professional medical transportation is designed to accommodate passengers who may need additional assistance. Reliable Medical Transportation provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles and drivers who can assist passengers with mobility devices and safely entering and exiting the vehicle.
Our service also goes beyond curb-to-curb transportation. Door-to-door assistance can be especially valuable for a passenger who is fatigued, has limited mobility, or simply needs some extra help getting safely to and from an appointment.
Helping Family Members and Caregivers
Family members often play an important role in supporting someone undergoing cancer treatment. But providing transportation for every appointment isn’t always possible, particularly when treatments take place during working hours or several times throughout the month.
Professional medical transportation doesn’t replace the support of family and friends. Instead, it can become another resource within the patient’s care plan.
When transportation is already arranged, caregivers may have more flexibility to focus their time and attention where it is needed most.
Can a Family Member or Caregiver Ride Along?
Yes. A family member, friend, or caregiver may accompany the patient when traveling with Reliable Medical Transportation. One additional rider may travel with the passenger at no additional charge.
If more than one person would like to accompany the patient, let our team know when scheduling so appropriate arrangements can be discussed.
Planning Transportation Before Treatment Begins
If you or a loved one is preparing to begin cancer treatment, transportation is worth discussing before the first appointment.
Consider these questions when creating your transportation plan:
- How frequently will treatments or appointments occur?
- Will the patient be comfortable driving after treatment?
- Will a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility device be needed?
- Are family members realistically available for every appointment?
- Will transportation be needed for both the appointment and return trip?
- Can recurring rides be arranged ahead of time?
Planning early can provide greater consistency as treatment progresses and transportation needs change.
Dependable Medical Transportation During Cancer Treatment
At Reliable Medical Transportation, we understand that patients undergoing cancer treatment already have a lot to manage. Our family-owned team provides safe, compassionate non-emergency medical transportation to hospitals, cancer treatment centers, medical offices, rehabilitation facilities, and other healthcare destinations throughout Southeast Michigan.
With certified drivers, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, door-to-door assistance, and the ability to schedule recurring transportation, our goal is to make getting to and from treatment one less thing patients and families need to worry about.
Need transportation for upcoming cancer treatments or medical appointments? Contact us or call 248-264-7020 to discuss your transportation needs.
Serving Cancer Patients Throughout Southeast Michigan
With locations in Royal Oak and Hartland, Reliable Medical Transportation serves patients throughout Southeast Michigan, including Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, Genesee, and Ingham counties.
Whether treatment is scheduled at a hospital, cancer center, oncology practice, radiation center, or another healthcare facility, our team can help coordinate dependable transportation. If you’re unsure whether we serve your community or treatment location, contact us or call 248-264-7020 to discuss availability.
