We offer patient transportation for medical and dental appointments to community members residing within the ten-mile radius when all other means of transportation have been exhausted by the individual, family or friends.
Policy
- Request for transportation must be made two-days in advance to the Community Health Representative; less than a two-day notice will be evaluated based on availability of staff and community vehicles. Three-working days are needed for out of town appointments that are outside of Redwood Falls, Springfield or Olivia.
- Scheduling takes place on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- A maximum of two transports can be scheduled at the same time, based on staff and community vehicle availability.
- Excuses such as not wanting to use a personal vehicle or pay for gas are not means of exhausting resources.
- Transportation is to and from the appointment only – no stops for household shopping, banking, school transports or other activities.
- Only the patient with the appointment and their legal guardian can be transported – not the entire family.
- Employee driver cannot supervise children or others during the appointment.
- Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult to appointments.
- Only covered beverages are allowed in the community vehicles.
- Smoking is prohibited in all community vehicles. Smoking will result in denial of transportation for a period of time determined by the Health Director.
- If a procedure involving sedation or anesthesia, a legal guardian (spouse, parent, or other designee) may be required to attend with the patient. Driver is not required to remain in the facility the entire time of the appointment.
- During workshops and training sessions, transportation may not be available.
- Recurring appointments (e.g. physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy) will be scheduled as we can accommodate and should be scheduled locally (Redwood Falls or Springfield).
- Drivers must be insurable as an employee under the tribe’s insurance plan.
- Cancelled rides are a loss to everyone. In the event cancellation is needed, every effort will be made by staff to find a replacement driver. Patients will be notified of cancellation by phone for any one the following reasons:
- Driver illness or absence.
- Disaster/emergency response.
- Vehicle break-down.
- Inclimate weather. Determining factors include:
- Closure of the tribal offices due to weather.
- State Department of Transportation warnings and closures.
- Destination of the transport.
- Area school closures.
- Final determination is made by the Health Director or Tribal Council in their absence.
Procedure
- Patient contacts the Community Health Representative to schedule transportation after resources have been exhausted.
- Community Health Representative will confirm the appointment time and pick up time or decline the appointment with brief explanation.
Purpose: To distribute services in a equitable manner and utilize resources effectively.
Driver Responsibility
- Arrives on time.
- Is not under the influence of alcohol or chemical substances.
- Maintain confidentiality of the appointment type and any patient information.
- Communicates any changes in time or availability.
Patient Responsibilities
- Schedules transportation at least 2 working days prior to a local appointment and at least 3 days for an out-of-town appointment (New Ulm, Willmar, Mankato, Minneapolis, etc.)
- Be ready at specified time and location for pick up.
- Plans ahead for long trips by bringing all items needed (medication, snacks, etc.).
- Schedules and communicates with the appointment provider directly.
- Communicates cancellation or any changes in appointment time, or rescheduling to the driver.
- Refrains from negativity, swearing, inappropriate conversation or behavior.
- Failure to follow will result in suspension or termination of riding privileges.
Reference: Seifert, P.C. (1999). Registration, licensure, and accountability. AORN Journal, 70(2), p. 184-186.
Staff
Lori Nelson
CHR & Transport
(507) 697-8943 (office)
(507)430-6227 (cell)
[email protected]
Marilyn Hisday
Transportation Assistant
507-430-6227