From our very first call 28 years ago to the ones coming in today, we are continually humbled as people place their most precious treasures, their family members, in our care. As the number of years in business stack up, it becomes easier to gain the confidence of prospective customers who understand that we must be doing something right to have managed the hurdles, pot holes, and economic roller coasters of our time. Increasing operating costs and the never ending stream of those entering (and then quickly exiting) this industry hoping to get rich quick, have been some of the obstacles confronting us. Yet, through it all, we continue to thrive.
Continue reading “Managed Medical Transport Turns 28 Years Old!”medical transport
Celebrating our 28th year-and always remembering the back story
The year was 1997. Princess Diana died in a car crash, Mother Teresa died in Calcutta, Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company at $261 billion dollars, and Managed Medical Transport (MMT) transported its first patient from Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN to a residence about 9 miles away. The patient paid $55 for that ride, forfeiting the alternative $850 ambulance transport that was offered to him first by hospital social workers. We were two paramedics on a non-emergency van with our business lines forwarded to the bulky cell phone in my purse, the newest technology of the day. Our biggest expense was vehicle insurance, and full time day care for two children, both under 4 years old.
Continue reading “Celebrating our 28th year-and always remembering the back story”What is the difference between using an ambulance service and Managed Medical Transport for long distance medical transportation?
An ambulance is a mobile emergency room. They are well designed and equipped to be the liaison between the world and the hospital when you need specialized, acute care in a hurry. An ambulance isn’t designed for comfort but rather efficiency, critical care, and speed. The cost to operate them is outrageous. In addition, most ambulance services are not licensed to cross state lines since their focus is local or regional jurisdictions.
MMT presents patients with a comfortable, affordable option, without giving up the trained staff that knows how to correctly transfer a fractured hip, talk to a dementia patient, or handle a wide range of non urgent needs on the road. Spending hours with our patients on a journey across several states, our crews are exceptional at addressing details. Everything we do is designed around non-emergency patients. The design and comfort of the vehicles, the unlimited radius insurance that we carry to cross state lines and the extra comforts on board like satellite radio, DVD TV screens, sound proofing between the road and the patient compartment, power inverters, oxygen concentrators and numerous other enhancements.
What are your geographical boundaries for transporting patients?
We are insured to cross state lines with an unlimited travel radius throughout the United States and Canada.
We specialize in long distance, cross country trips with a minimum of 300 miles. If your needs are just under that minimum, sometimes it’s a good idea just to get a quote from us anyway. Often, people find that after doing all their research, paying our minimum is still the best option. Usually, the further you travel with us, the less it becomes per mile.
Is it possible to have at least one female crew member on board?
Yes. The more notice that you can give us, the more likely that we are able to fill this request for the specific date and time that you need.
What if my relative needs oxygen during the transport?
MMT is able to continue oxygen if the patient is already receiving it, or if they have orders to have it on standby (PRN). We are not able to initiate the use of oxygen without a doctors order however, since it is considered a prescription RX.
Can two patients ride together in the same van?
No, we can accommodate one non ambulatory patient at a time. There is room for one additional person to ride along however, as long as the rider is independent and able to take care of themselves.
Can I travel with the patient?
Yes. We have room for one additional person to ride along with the patient if they wish. They will ride in a leather captains chair that reclines, right next to the patient. There is never any extra charge for this. The only exceptions are if the rider is also a patient that needs care, or if the transport exceeds the duration that requires we add an additional driver. That would take up the extra seat leaving no extra room for a passenger.
How can I contact the office after hours?
The people who answer your questions and book transportation at MMT know our business inside and out. They’ve been on the administrative end as well as the patient care and transport end. Those are the individuals that we want you to reach when you call us. They will be able to give you the most accurate information based on in-depth experience. When you call us for information, especially when time is of the essence, the last thing that you need is uncertainty from a call center agent who may require you to wait for a callback. Our highly knowledgeable staff can answer your questions during regular office hours.
After hours, we put them on call and they are still available via our website email system for questions that cannot wait until the next business day.
I am only able to call after work, when your sales/dispatch lines are closed. What can I do?
The best way to receive a quote or a call back after hours is through our email system. The email requests are sent directly to the on-call supervisor who will respond by email or phone, whichever you prefer.