Why A Ride Home Is Still Hard To Find!
The Challenge of Finding a Ride Home After Outpatient Procedures
For many people, scheduling and planning an outpatient procedure is already a bit of a balancing act. But what may not always be top of mind until the last minute is a critical part of this plan: finding a ride home. After procedures that involve anesthesia, it’s unsafe, and often forbidden, for patients to drive themselves. So, when there isn’t a spouse, friend, or family member readily available, this can quickly turn into a complicated and stressful situation. Let’s dive into why this issue is so common and how people are finding solutions to make their recovery smoother and more worry-free.
Why Can’t You Drive After Anesthesia?
When you undergo anesthesia, even for a relatively short procedure, the lingering effects can impact your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Anesthesia, depending on its type and duration, can affect your coordination, reflexes, and overall cognitive clarity for hours after the procedure. Studies have shown that even after patients feel “awake,” their reaction times and judgment are still compromised. This is why most hospitals and outpatient facilities require patients to arrange for someone to pick them up.
The Reality of Limited Options
While many people rely on family members or friends for a ride home, this isn’t an option for everyone. Some people may live far from their loved ones, have busy or unavailable friends, or simply not want to ask for help for something that feels “minor.” Others may not have close family or friends they can call on. The result? Patients are sometimes left scrambling to find a last-minute ride or delaying their procedure because they can’t arrange reliable transportation.
Why Not Take a Taxi or Rideshare?
While taking a taxi or using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft may sound like a good solution, it can actually create new challenges. Drivers for these services are typically not trained or equipped to help someone who may be groggy or unsteady on their feet post-procedure. Moreover, some healthcare facilities may not release patients to just any driver, as they want to ensure that their patients get home safely with someone responsible who can help them if needed.
Specialized Transportation Services Are Too Costly
Given these gaps, some surgery centers promote non emergency medical transport companies to fill this need. But these companies are often too expensive and are more geared for people with ongoing mobility issues often reuiring wheel charirs or assistance walking. While services like these are specifically designed to provide reliable, safe, and compassionate rides to people heading home after a medical procedure they often utilitze wheel chair accessible vans and cars which can feel unfortable or add to the stress for people unaccustomed to such ambulatory travel.
A New Kind of Post-procedure Medical Transportation
Today there is a new cartegory of non-emergency medical transportation that provides rides home after most precedures in a regular sedan or car. The escorts are not only trained on the post-anesthesia protocol but also often equipped to assist if any additional help is needed.
These services called post-operative escort (POE) can ease patients’ anxieties and help them feel secure as they transition from the medical facility back to their homes including stops at the pharmacy or any other necessary errands. Most offer door-to-door white glove service, ensuring patients don’t have to worry about getting in or out of the car safely. Additionally, some services provide easy ride-scheduling in advance, which eliminates the worry of finding a ride even if it’s last-minute.
The Peace of Mind Factor
The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a safe, reliable ride home can make a huge difference to the overall experience of an outpatient procedure. When you don’t have to worry about arranging transportation, you can focus on recovery rather than logistical stress. It also does not inconvenience family and/friends, and reduces the sense of being a burden.
Moving Toward Accessible Solutions for All
Addressing this problem doesn’t just make outpatient procedures easier—it can be a crucial step in expanding access to healthcare overall. Many patients delay or even cancel necessary procedures simply because they can’t find a way to get there and back. By making transportation options more accessible and affordable, healthcare providers and transportation services can help remove a significant barrier for patients in need.
Having a reliable transportation option isn’t just a convenience; for many, it’s an essential part of getting the medical care they need safely. Finding ways to make these services available to everyone who needs them is a step toward a more accessible, compassionate healthcare system. Whether it’s asking a friend in advance, arranging non-emergency medical transportation, or working with a specialized service like Dezzi, knowing your ride home is covered can give you one less thing to worry about and make your recovery process that much smoother.