Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our medical transportation services.
General Questions
What is Sunday Ambulette?
Sunday Ambulette is a professional medical transportation service providing non-emergency transport for patients who need to get to medical appointments, treatments, and healthcare facilities. We specialize in wheelchair-accessible transportation and offer services for patients with various mobility needs.
Our fleet includes vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts, stretcher capabilities, and medical equipment to ensure safe, comfortable transport. We serve patients requiring dialysis transportation, hospital transfers, medical appointments, and more.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the greater metropolitan area including:
- New York City - All five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
- Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
- Westchester County
- Northern New Jersey
- Connecticut (Fairfield County)
We also accommodate long-distance trips over 100 miles for hospital transfers and specialized medical care. Contact us for custom quotes on extended distance transportation.
Are you available 24/7?
Yes! Our dispatch center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including all holidays. Whether you need to book a ride, make changes to an existing reservation, or require urgent transportation, our team is always available to assist you.
Call us anytime at (555) 123-4567 for immediate assistance.
What's the difference between Sunday Ambulette and an ambulance?
Sunday Ambulette provides non-emergency medical transportation, while ambulances are for medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention or advanced life support.
Choose Sunday Ambulette for:
- Scheduled medical appointments
- Dialysis treatments
- Physical therapy sessions
- Hospital discharge transportation
- Non-emergency inter-facility transfers
Call 911 for medical emergencies requiring immediate medical attention or life-saving interventions.
Booking & Scheduling
How do I book a ride?
You can book transportation through multiple convenient methods:
- Phone: Call (555) 123-4567 anytime, 24/7
- Online: Visit sunday-ambulette.com and use our booking system
- Email: Send booking details to bookings@sunday-ambulette.com
- Healthcare Provider: Ask your doctor, case manager, or discharge planner to coordinate with us
Have your pickup/drop-off addresses, appointment time, and medical information ready when booking.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 24-48 hours in advance to ensure availability and secure your preferred time slot. However, we also accept same-day bookings based on vehicle and staff availability.
For recurring appointments (like dialysis or chemotherapy), you can book your entire schedule weeks or months in advance for convenience and consistency.
Can I book same-day transportation?
Yes, we accept same-day bookings when possible. We recommend calling at least 2-4 hours before your needed pickup time. Our dispatch team will check availability and do their best to accommodate your request.
For urgent needs (less than 2 hours notice), contact us immediately and we'll assess if we can dispatch a vehicle to your location.
Can I schedule recurring appointments?
Absolutely! We specialize in recurring appointment transportation for patients receiving regular treatments like:
- Dialysis (2-3 times per week)
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Physical therapy sessions
- Wound care appointments
- Mental health counseling
Benefits of recurring bookings include consistent pickup times, preferred driver assignment when possible, and simplified billing.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
Call us immediately at (555) 123-4567 with your confirmation number. Cancellation and change fees depend on how much notice you provide:
- 24+ hours notice: No fee
- 2-12 hours notice: 25-50% fee may apply
- Less than 2 hours: 50% cancellation fee
- No-show: 100% fee
Fees are waived for medical emergencies, weather-related issues, or provider cancellations.
Services & Vehicles
Are all your vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes, 100% of our fleet is wheelchair accessible. Every vehicle is equipped with hydraulic wheelchair lifts and secure tie-down systems to safely transport both manual and power wheelchairs.
We also accommodate bariatric wheelchairs and specialized mobility devices. Just let us know your specific requirements when booking.
Do you provide stretcher transportation?
Yes, we offer stretcher transportation for patients who cannot sit upright during transport. Our stretcher vehicles are equipped with secure stretcher mounts, medical equipment storage, and monitoring capabilities.
Please specify stretcher requirements when booking so we can assign the appropriate vehicle and trained medical attendant.
Can you transport oxygen tanks and medical equipment?
Absolutely. We safely transport:
- Portable oxygen tanks and concentrators
- IV poles and infusion pumps
- Feeding pumps and medical monitors
- Portable suction machines
- CPR devices and ventilators (with medical oversight)
- Walkers, canes, and other mobility aids
Always inform us about equipment needs when booking to ensure proper vehicle assignment and secure mounting.
Do you provide medical attendants?
Yes, certified medical attendants are available for patients requiring medical supervision or assistance during transport. Our attendants are trained in:
- Basic life support (BLS)
- Patient monitoring and vital signs
- Medication administration (as authorized)
- Transfer assistance and patient positioning
- Medical equipment operation
Request a medical attendant when booking if needed.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are always welcome at no additional charge in accordance with ADA guidelines. We accommodate:
- Guide dogs for visual impairments
- Hearing alert dogs
- Mobility assistance dogs
- Medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic, cardiac)
- Psychiatric service dogs
Emotional support animals and pets require advance approval and may incur additional fees. Please mention your service animal when booking.
Can family members or caregivers ride with the patient?
Yes, one companion may ride with the patient at no extra charge (space permitting). Additional passengers may be accommodated depending on vehicle capacity and equipment needs.
Companions must be noted at booking time. Minors under 18 must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Payment & Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most insurance plans including:
- Medicare (Part B covers medically necessary transportation)
- Medicaid
- Private insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, etc.)
- Workers' Compensation
- No-Fault Auto Insurance
We recommend calling your insurance provider before booking to verify coverage and obtain any necessary pre-authorizations. Provide your insurance information when booking, and we'll handle the billing process.
What if my insurance doesn't cover the trip?
If your insurance denies coverage, you'll be responsible for payment. We accept:
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash
- Payment plans (available for qualifying patients)
- Healthcare facility billing (for authorized providers)
We provide upfront cost estimates so you know what to expect. Financial assistance programs are available for qualifying patients.
How much does transportation cost?
Cost depends on several factors:
- Distance traveled (mileage-based pricing)
- Type of service (wheelchair, stretcher, medical attendant)
- Wait time at medical facilities
- Time of day (after-hours surcharges may apply)
- Additional services (oxygen, IV monitoring, special equipment)
We provide cost estimates when you book. Call (555) 123-4567 for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
When do I need to pay?
Payment timing depends on your payment method:
- Insurance: We bill insurance after service; you pay co-pays/deductibles at time of service or upon invoice
- Self-Pay: Payment due at time of service or within 30 days of invoice
- Facility Billing: Billed to healthcare facility per contract terms
We'll always inform you of payment expectations before your trip.
Do you charge extra for wheelchair lifts or medical equipment?
No, we do not charge additional fees for wheelchair lifts, ramps, or standard accessibility features. These are included in our base service rates.
However, specialized services like bariatric transport, stretcher service, or medical attendants may have additional costs. We'll provide complete pricing information when you book.
Safety & Policies
How do you ensure passenger safety?
Safety is our top priority. We ensure passenger safety through:
- Certified Drivers: All drivers are licensed, background-checked, and trained in safe patient handling
- Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and preventive maintenance on all vehicles
- Safety Equipment: Secure wheelchair tie-downs, seatbelts, and medical equipment mounting
- GPS Tracking: Real-time vehicle monitoring and route optimization
- Insurance: Comprehensive liability coverage and vehicle insurance
- Infection Control: Thorough vehicle cleaning and disinfection between patients
Are your drivers trained?
Yes, all our drivers undergo comprehensive training including:
- Defensive driving and safe vehicle operation
- Patient transfer techniques and safe handling
- Wheelchair and stretcher securement procedures
- Medical equipment safety and basic operation
- Disability awareness and patient communication
- CPR and First Aid certification
- HIPAA privacy and confidentiality training
All drivers complete ongoing education and regular refresher courses.
What happens if the driver is running late?
Our pickup window is +/- 15 minutes from scheduled time. If the driver will be more than 15 minutes late, dispatch will notify you immediately with an updated arrival time.
Delays can occur due to traffic, weather, or previous passenger needs. We monitor all trips in real-time and communicate proactively. You will not be charged for delays caused by our scheduling.
What if I'm not ready when the driver arrives?
Drivers will wait up to 15 minutes at no charge. After 15 minutes, the trip may be cancelled and charged as a no-show (100% of fare).
If you're running late, call us immediately at (555) 123-4567. We'll work with you and may be able to extend wait time or reschedule based on circumstances.
Do you transport patients with COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses?
Yes, we transport patients with contagious conditions when medically appropriate, but we require advance notification. This allows us to:
- Assign properly trained staff
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Schedule vehicle for enhanced disinfection
- Implement infection control protocols
- Protect other patients and staff
Failure to disclose contagious conditions may result in trip cancellation and fees.
Is my medical information kept confidential?
Absolutely. We are fully HIPAA compliant and take patient confidentiality very seriously. Your medical and personal information is:
- Encrypted and stored securely
- Accessed only by authorized personnel
- Never shared without your consent (except as required by law)
- Protected through staff confidentiality training
See our Privacy Policy for complete details on how we protect your information.
Day of Service
What should I have ready for pickup?
Please have the following ready before the driver arrives:
- Insurance card and photo ID
- List of current medications
- Medical equipment (fully charged if battery-operated)
- Personal belongings and any items needed for appointment
- Appointment information and healthcare facility details
- Payment method (if applicable)
Be ready 10 minutes before scheduled pickup time to ensure on-time departure.
How will I know when the driver is arriving?
You'll receive notifications throughout the pickup process:
- 1 hour before: Text/call with driver name and estimated arrival time
- When en route: Driver is on the way to your location
- Upon arrival: Driver calls/texts to notify you they've arrived
You can also track your driver's location in real-time through our online portal (if registered).
Can I bring food or drinks in the vehicle?
Yes, passengers may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. We ask that you:
- Use spill-proof containers when possible
- Dispose of trash properly
- Be mindful of strong food odors
- Inform the driver if you need assistance
Diabetic patients and those with medical dietary needs should always have necessary snacks/drinks available.
What if my appointment runs longer than expected?
For round-trip service, please call us as soon as you know your appointment is running late. We'll adjust the return pickup time accordingly.
Options include:
- Extending scheduled return time (no fee if more than 2 hours notice)
- Switching to will-call return (call when ready)
- Rescheduling return for a different time/day