Comparing Medical Transportation Options: Ambulatory, Wheelchair, and Stretcher Services
Discover various medical transportation options available today including ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport services.
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Understanding Medical Transportation Options

Medical transportation services are vital for patients who require assistance getting to healthcare appointments but do not need an emergency ambulance. The most common non-emergency options include ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation. These services ensure comfort and safety during travel while accommodating various mobility needs. Selecting the right option depends on a patient’s physical condition and level of independence. Understanding these differences helps families and caregivers make informed decisions when arranging transportation for medical appointments or treatments.

Ambulatory Transportation: For Patients Who Can Walk

Ambulatory medical transportation is ideal for patients who are mobile but may need some assistance, such as a helping hand or a walker. It’s often used for routine checkups, follow-up visits, and outpatient procedures. This option is the most cost-effective and efficient for individuals who can safely enter and exit a vehicle without needing special equipment. Many providers offer door-to-door service, ensuring patients are escorted safely to and from their appointments with minimal stress.

Wheelchair Transportation: For Moderate Mobility Assistance

Wheelchair transportation is best suited for individuals who are unable to walk or have difficulty standing for long periods. Vehicles are equipped with lifts and secure locking systems to transport the patient safely in their wheelchair. This service offers convenience and dignity for patients who require regular treatments such as dialysis or physical therapy. With properly trained staff and equipment, wheelchair transportation ensures the patient arrives at their destination safely and comfortably, even in urban areas like Philadelphia.

Stretcher Transportation: For Bedridden or Severe Cases

Stretcher transportation is necessary for patients who must remain in a lying-down position during travel. It is commonly used after surgeries, during hospital discharges, or when the patient is too weak to sit up. This service provides the highest level of non-emergency medical transport care, with staff trained to handle delicate medical conditions. Stretcher vans are fully equipped for patient comfort and are ideal for longer trips, such as state-to-state medical transfers.

Choosing the Right Transportation for Your Needs

Choosing the right medical transportation option depends on several factors, including the patient’s mobility level, health condition, and distance to the medical facility. It’s essential to communicate with your provider about the patient’s specific needs. For example, Aero NEMT offers a wide range of medical transportation options tailored to individual requirements, ensuring that each patient receives safe, comfortable, and timely service regardless of their physical condition or treatment frequency.

Aero NEMT: Trusted Medical Transportation Provider

Aero NEMT proudly serves Philadelphia and surrounding areas with reliable ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation services. Whether you’re booking a one-time ride or recurring medical appointments, our team ensures compassionate, professional service every time. Our drivers are trained, our vehicles are equipped, and our priority is your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help someone who has no mobility at all?

Absolutely. At Aero NEMT, we specialize in transporting passengers with zero mobility. Whether your loved one cannot walk, stand, or support their own weight, our team is trained to lift, assist, and transfer patients safely.

🛠 We use stretcher vans, wheelchair lifts, and two-person teams to ensure safety and dignity at every step.

For example, we recently transported Mr. Joseph from South Philly who had suffered a stroke. Our team helped him from his bed to our stretcher van and waited through his therapy appointment before safely bringing him home.

Yes — stairs are no problem. We use specialized equipment like the Stair Chair and StairMaster® Evacuation Track System to help patients safely descend or ascend stairs, even when elevators are unavailable.

Whether it’s one step or three flights, we come equipped with:

🔧 Stair chairs for wheelchair-bound or ambulatory patients

💪 Two trained staff members

🧤 Full safety harness systems

We helped Ms. Rosario, a 78-year-old in Germantown, down a 2nd-floor apartment with 12 steep steps using our stair chair and assisted her to her dialysis appointment without issue.

Absolutely. We offer round-trip service with wait time included (up to 2 hours or more).

Our most popular service includes:

🚗 Pickup

🕒 Wait at clinic/hospital

🚙 Return trip home

For example, we helped a gentleman from 19124 get to Wills Eye Hospital and waited an hour and 15 minutes while he completed his eye treatment. No extra stress, no rescheduling.

🧾 $25–$100 OFF based on mileage

💸 Referral credits ($25 off future trips for every referral)

🤝 Loyalty pricing for clients who use us regularly

Ask us about our VIP Return Client Program to save even more.