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Disadvantages of Using a Broker to Secure Air Ambulance Transportation

Disadvantages of Using a Broker to Secure Air Ambulance Transportation

If you or someone you love are in need of transportation via air ambulance, you may be confused about where to look to locate such a service. Frequently, patients and families will turn to a broker in order to secure air ambulance services. The use of a broker can help you to locate air ambulance services to meet the needs of the patient, but this is not always the best plan of action.

Using a broker to secure air ambulance travel for a patient can have many disadvantages. It can be wise to take the time to search for air ambulance service on your own whenever possible.

Since the broker is a middle man, he does not own the aircraft, fly the air ambulance, or staff the flight. The broker merely finds an appropriate air ambulance service at the lowest price available. Although this may sound like a great opportunity, it really is not a beneficial situation.

After the broker locates air ambulance transportation, he adds his fee to the final cost.

Using a broker does not ensure a higher level of quality for the patient. In fact, they have no system to analyze quality control for patient care. Dealing directly with the air ambulance service company, the patient can receive the best rate for the service.

Going through a broker to locate air ambulance services will tie your hands and leave the patient unable to deal directly with the service provider. On the other hand, patients who forego the broker can contact the air ambulance service provider directly. This allows the opportunity to discuss any personal questions or concerns. During this stressful time, patients and their families need reassurance. Direct contact between you and the air ambulance company can be very comforting and provide much needed peace of mind about the quality service and medical treatment the patient will receive.

Using a broker to secure adequate air ambulance transportation services is much like using a broker to locate the perfect child care provider for your children. Regardless of the excellent reputation of the service provider, it is important and crucial to have trust and confidence in the service provider for the best results. Yes, the broker will find appropriate services, but will everyone feel confident about the broker’s decision? Making the decision for the best air ambulance service provider through your own resources will add a sense of comfort and assurance.

If the circumstances arise that you or a family member require the services of transportation by air ambulance, you may want to skip the services from a broker and do the legwork yourself. There are several advantages to locating the air ambulance service on your own. Without the use of a broker, direct contact between you and the service provider is useful to answer any questions that may arise.

A sense of confidence arises with the patient and the family during this interaction. Also, dealing directly with the air ambulance service provider can create an opportunity to receive the highest quality service at a great value. Going through a broker merely marks up the cost of such services.

What is the Cost of Air Ambulance Transport?

If you or someone you love will be needing air ambulance transportation in the foreseeable future, then it is time to start doing a little homework. It is important to start compiling a list of air ambulance services that will be able to meet the needs. After comprising a list of potential air ambulance transport companies, it is time to compare costs. Just like any other business or service, prices will vary.

There are many variables that can affect the cost of air ambulance transport. You can receive quotes from contacting the air ambulance service company yourself or by contacting a broker. Do be aware that the broker will find the lowest cost possible, then add an additional fee for his or her services to the cost. Whenever possible, it is wise to deal directly with the air ambulance service company.

The type of aircraft needed for the transport will directly affect the cost of the air ambulance service. It is important to know the distance of the flight before deciding on a specific type of aircraft. Cost alone should not determine the aircraft used for transport of the patient.

Another factor that influences the cost of the air ambulance service is the number and type of medical staff needed for the flight. If the patient requires two trained people on board, the cost may be dramatically less than a patient requiring an entire specialized medical team.

Frequently, the cost of the air ambulance transport will include the fee for ground transportation to and from the aircraft. This is commonly referred to as bedside to bedside service. Also, the cost often includes the cost of any additional passengers where applicable.

Many private insurance companies will cover the cost of air ambulance transportation if it is deemed to be medically necessary. It is wise to check with your insurance provider before calling to make arrangements for the air ambulance transportation, if possible. If it is unable to prove coverage for the service before the time of the flight, secured payment is usually required. For most companies, acceptable forms of payment include major credit cards, wire transfers, certified checks, or money orders for the amount of the flight.

The actual cost of the air ambulance transport can range widely. Typically, the fees run between $10,000 and $100,000.

Due to the extreme expense of the air ambulance transport, it is advisable to compare costs whenever possible. If the patient has insurance coverage, learn the facts about what air ambulance transportation costs are covered and under what conditions. Dealing directly with the air ambulance service company can be a method for saving money by doing a little research on your own.

A broker can locate air ambulance service, but will charge additional fees. Be specific about details such as needed medical staff and type of aircraft when asking for quotes. Also, learn what specifics are included in the cost when making the decision to select one air ambulance service company over another. With a little research, patients and their family can get the best service at a great value.