Private ambulance - Insurance?

[T_Anna]

We are still waiting to get the go ahead to do PEX. In the meantime we called a local private ambulance to see if we can use them in case DS refuses to get in the car. Has anyone ever used one of these services? We would be going to the ER, but it is too far to call 911 or a volunteer ambulance. The company said we could submit the claim to insurance, but curious if anyone hashad any success with that.

 

I'm not so worried once we are actually in the hospital. We think DS's issue is more about leaving his comfort zone then accommodating treatment. He is usually great with IVs and Blood draws etc (even when they cannot find veins, etc).

 

T.Anna

DS15

[Mayzoo]

I am not much help, but in 2004 I was in a car accident. I was driven about 45miles to the closest ER at that time (yes, I live in the boondocks ). At that time it was $650.00 for the trip. Around here, the charge is based on level of emergency and distance traveled. We did not have medical insurance and I had a head injury, so it never occurred to me to try to get it covered by our auto insurance PIP.

[JoyBop]

You would have to call your insurance company. Who knows? You might get it covered based on medical necessity particularly I'd a dr write a letter for you. My guess is that without a big stink they wouldn't want to pay for a mom emergent private company so if you try that route, be sure to get it pre authorized. If you can prove your child will not receive life sustaining treatments due to inability to function and go to appointments you may get coverage. Whenever I ask for such things that I know would not normally be covered I usually through in a limit such as we are only requesting so many rides within a certain period of time and after that we will absorb the cost. But save that bargaining power for your second appeal if you have to go that far.

 

I also wonder if an ambulance would be more traumatic than a car ride. How about getting a d d player or letting him play a computer in the car or some other enticement?

[T_Anna]

"I also wonder if an ambulance would be more traumatic than a car ride. How about getting a d d player or letting him play a computer in the car or some other enticement?"

 

Thanks. We'll have to take the insurance/bill risk since we have to be in the ER on Tuesday.

 

He is generally OK once he gets on shoes (DH's crocs) and sets his mind that he is going. Last Wednesday, when we took him to the appointment, he asked why we didn't just try taking him while asleep.

 

DH explained that he was afraid he'd wake up and be violent. Someone here suggested getting a wheelchair and that might be a good idea (he doesn't have to push himself too hard).

 

There is something convenient about not having to be active in the decision (lie down and close your eyes). But we live in a NYC building and if you walk you can leave discreetly by the delivery door and stairs, the ambulance will need to use the lobby, doorman and front doors, which I think DS wants to avoid.

 

I am sending his siblings to grandparents tomorrow night, so DS will get a hint that something is happening and we can maybe "discuss" it.

 

The private ambulance said that there is no cancellation fee, so that's good.

 

T.Anna

DS15