If you have a medical emergency, you may need to use an ambulance to get to the hospital. But for non-emergency medical transport, you can rely on ambulette transportation services. These vehicles are specially modified to transport disabled individuals, and they have special equipment like wheelchairs and ramps. They also have a two-way radio that allows drivers to communicate with the dispatchers and keep track of their trips. In some states, the ambulette driver must have basic first aid and CPR training, but they do not have to be EMTs.

Ambulette drivers help passengers with disabilities get in and out of the vehicle, clear deterrents that could impede the passenger’s safety or ability to move about, open and close doors, and assist with walking up and down stairs. They also maintain driving logs and trip reports for billing purposes and stay in touch with their employers’ base station using the in-vehicle two-way radio. In some positions, ambulette drivers must be punctual and able to follow a strict appointment schedule.

Medicare does not cover the cost of ambulette transportation, although it covers the cost of some ambulance services when you are receiving care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). In order for Medicare to pay for scheduled non-emergency ambulette transportation, you must have a written order from an ordering practitioner such as your doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The order must state that the trip is necessary and that you cannot arrange alternative transportation.