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Can’t Find Someone To Drive Me To/From Colonoscopy. Any options?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/28/2020 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
My doctor would like me to have a colonoscopy done soon (maybe next two months) to check the effectivity of the medication I’m currently on, but I am unable to find someone to drive me to the procedure and back home. This issue is further excaberated by the huge COVID-19 outbreak going on in my state (FL), which may also dissuade any potential help. I’m supposed to have someone accompany me to the procedure and drive me home, but I believe I may just need a ride to and from there, and they won’t allow a taxi/Uber. I’m sure I’m not the only person who has run into this problem (even pre-COVID-19). Does anybody have any ideas how to solve this problem? Are there any medical services of some sort (nurse, etc) one could hire for a situation like this?
Posted 7/28/2020 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
You could postpone the colonoscopy? Unless you feel it urgent to have one...

I once had someone who didn't drive come get me. Then we got a taxi.

I hope things work out.
Posted 7/28/2020 10:09 AM (GMT 0)
I guess I have had more than 25 colonoscopies in my life. I have always gone there and back by my car myself.
Posted 7/28/2020 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
If it was urgent I would just like then get an Uber. Otherwise I'd postpone.
Posted 7/28/2020 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Where I live there is a service you can pay for someone to accompany you. I am not sure of the details of that, but I wonder if you could inquire with your doctor's office? Also I know there are volunteer organizations who drive people back and forth from chemo treatments and such, I wonder if you could inquire with them? These are two things I would do if I were in your shoes, and one day I might very well be. Where I live I know the names of these organizations but I don't know about where you live. You could try googling something up.

Okay, I just googled "Florida volunteer drivers for medical appointments" (I am guessing you live in Florida) and got a few hits where you could start your search. Also, I got the following hit which surprised me, so maybe ask with your insurance company: "Insurance companies generally provide free transportation to help you get to appointments. For example, if you have Priority Health Choice coverage, just call 888.975. 8102 or 616.975. 8102 to make ride arrangements."
Posted 7/28/2020 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Are you having symptoms? If not, I would postpone the scope unless you can get transportation that is conducive to the facilities requirement. Check with your gi's office to see if they know of someone or check out what Serenity Now has posted.

Good luck.
Posted 7/28/2020 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am supposed to get one done every year now, and typically they require someone to accompany you. If you have that person there with you, then they will allow you to get an Uber/taxi to drive you home. Since this is done under general anesthesia, they will not allow you to drive yourself home, or take an Uber/taxi by yourself.

I really would like to postpone this, but I don’t know how much longer my doctor will let me keep pushing it back (my last one was Dec. 2019), as they want to verify the medicine I’m on is working. I’m hoping that my doctor doesn’t misconstrue my reluctance to have the procedure done now due to COVID-19 outbreak and my lack of someone to accompany/drive me, as a hard refusal to have the procedure done (it is not). I’m afraid if I am unable to comply with getting the procedure done soon, my doctor may not want to treat me anymore.
Posted 7/28/2020 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Straydog. FLA is practically submerged in the COVID-19 crisis now-- so if you're feeling well day-to-day you shouldn't have to undergo a C-scope with full sedation "to see whether the medication works"-- during a public health emergency, my word! Maybe your doctor is participating in a clinical trial & really wants new data on your condition + tissue specimens for that reason. Sometimes we have to be skeptical in these situations and make decisions as to what action is less stressful for us! You were just scoped at the end of 2019, which is fairly recent history. RE finding a procedure escort, try checking visiting nurse services in your area because some of them also offer partial-day services by certified aides who accompany patients to/from ambulatory care visits. In my city/med center we're permitted to arrive alone for sedated scope; on arrival we just have to provide name + phone no. of our escort home, and certified aides are totally accepted in that role. I've used that type of service myself; it worked out well & is also tax-deductible. / Old Hat (39 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 7/28/2020 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I will schedule the appointment for December 2020, and wait until then!
Hopefully by the end of the year the situation regarding Covid well be better/ gone and maybe you will find someone to drive you to the procedure.
Posted 7/29/2020 6:05 AM (GMT 0)
Google "medical transport" for your city. Professional services routinely transport patients who cannot drive (usually elderly) for non-emergency medical appointments and procedures. I have used these several times for colonoscopies.

Your colonoscopy procedure center may also have recommendations for medical transport.

Unlike Uber or taxis, they take responsibility for patients post-procedure, will sign you out, and will generally see that you get inside your house.

Post Edited (Casey_LB) : 7/29/2020 12:08:34 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/29/2020 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
in this case, later is more better than sooner - postpone it !
Posted 7/29/2020 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
If I lived near you, I would of taken you....
Posted 7/29/2020 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Non-Emergency Medical Transport services take care of this, they drive you to your colonoscopy, wait in the waiting area for endoscopy, drive you home. Ask the hospital, ask your insurance to see if it's available in your area and what it costs.
Posted 8/4/2020 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
I’ll look into a medical transport service, as well as try to postpone this procedure for now. Thanks for the advice!
Posted 8/4/2020 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
FL Guy....it would help if you mentioned exactly where you live, and what your medical destination is.
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