Medical Escort?

[BloomingLotus 179]

Has anyone used a medical escort service to discharge them from the hospital post-surgery?

My surgery is a secret. The only people I would want to tell have severe anxiety and live out of state. They also have a whole host of medical problems themselves. I know that the people I would want to tell could not be here for the surgery and I don't want to send them into an anxiety-driven state, knowing they can't help. I have no in-state family and unfortunately, I know that close friends would not be supportive. As such, I'm on this road alone-ish. I plan to inform my support system after-the-fact.

Obviously, after a major surgery, the hospital will not discharge you without someone. I was given the number of a medical escort company, essentially a visiting nurse-type service.

My question is whether anyone has used a service like this, and what your experience was? I'm in NYC if anyone has specific recommendations as well.

[Elode 8,093]

@@BloomingLotus I've never heard of such a thing but that's a nice thing to have. I don't know if you need someone with you once your home. I had my husband and kids but they were gone all day and quit frankly if I had to I would have Been fine on my own. I guess it all depends on how your surgery goes and how comfortable you are with being alone. Heck if you felt good you could probably just have a taxi take you home and skip that expense all together.

[BloomingLotus 179]

@@Elode - I plan on being alone once I'm home, but it's the hospitals CYA (cover your hiney) policy to only discharge you with an adult escort. Since 99% of the universe has family with them, it's usually not an issue. I just need a competent human to stand beside me when I leave. The service will take me home, fill my prescriptions and all that, but it's expensive.

I'm pretty self-sufficient and I do have friends very nearby should I need help after the fact.

Unfortunately I do need someone to take me home, and a cab driver doesn't count apparently ha!

[pindoctor 49]

I love this topic as today I had EGD and they wouldn't let me go home unless I had a responsible adult with me. My 16 yo daughter has her driver's license but she didn't count because she wasn't an adult. So I had to get my husband to do it.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I have never used the medical escort service but if it's similar to the visiting nurses they are usually vetted very well. I had visiting nurses for this surgery and my hysterectomy. Both ladies were wonderful. Not only efficient but truly nice people.

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

I just have to ask, have you asked the volunteer staff at the hospital if any of them could help you? You could maybe go in a couple of days ahead of your surgery and see if it could work. You could offer to pay for their service, also, if it would keep costs down and ensure they would show up to do the job. I hope you find a good solution. Good luck!

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

P.S. My husband suggested calling the Red Cross, to see if they may have a suggestion for you. Again, best wishes and God Bless...

[BloomingLotus 179]

@ I haven't - I'm still exploring options at this point. I'm tentatively scheduled for Jan 29 so I have a little time.

I don't know if ethically a volunteer could do this, but it's worth asking around.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I don't know, I would prefer a medical escort over a red cross volunteer or a hospital volunteer. A medical escort would be more likely to be trained on what to do if there is an emergency. A red cross volunteer or even a hospital volunteer isn't going to have that medical training.

Edited January 3, 2015 by BLERDgirl

[BloomingLotus 179]

@@BLERDgirl me too. After reviewing the website of the company, I'm pretty confident in the care they can provide. I hope that all I need is someone to get me home, but knowing that they are trained puts me at ease a bit. It's not cheap, but then again my health and safety are worth more than money.

I just wonder how the hospital will react to me using a service, and how and when to book. I'm sure a few phone calls will clear everything up, but I value your opinions and was hoping for some personal experiences!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Do they have customer reviews? Speak with the hospital they may be familiar with it.

[BitterSweet* 835]

@@BloomingLotus, the hospital won't care who it is, as long as the person is an adult. You can simply introduce the person as "family"; an explanation any further than that isn't necessary. Let us know how it works out for you, and good luck with your surgery!

[BloomingLotus 179]

@@BLERDgirl it was actually someone from the hospital who gave me the name. I'll do some more investigation and see what people have to say!