How to Schedule Wheelchair Transportation for Doctor Visits

Making Doctor Visits Easy When You Use a Wheelchair

Getting to the doctor shouldn’t be complicated—yet for individuals who use wheelchairs, something as routine as a checkup can become a stressful ordeal. Traditional transportation options often don’t provide the space, safety equipment, or assistance needed to travel comfortably and reliably.

That’s why Reliable Medical Transportation offers professional, on-time, wheelchair-accessible transportation across Grand Rapids and surrounding communities. Whether you need a one-time ride or recurring medical trips, we make the process easy, safe, and dependable.

In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to schedule wheelchair transportation for doctor visits—from preparation tips to what to expect day-of.

Why Wheelchair Transportation Requires a Specialized Service

Wheelchair users face unique challenges when accessing healthcare transportation:

• Rideshares and taxis are not equipped with ramps or tie-downs

• Public buses can be difficult to board, especially in poor weather

• Friends and family may not always be available or have proper vehicles

• Transferring in and out of a car can be unsafe or exhausting

  
  

A professional wheelchair transport provider ensures the entire trip—from home to clinic and back—is handled with dignity, safety, and timeliness.

What Makes Our Wheelchair Transport Service Different

At Reliable Medical Transportation, we specialize in door-to-door wheelchair transportation designed specifically for doctor visits and other essential healthcare appointments.

Our vehicles are:

• ADA-compliant

• Equipped with hydraulic lifts or manual ramps

• Outfitted with four-point wheelchair securement systems

• Spacious enough for large or power wheelchairs

• Climate-controlled and sanitized daily

  
  

Our drivers are:

• Trained in wheelchair securement and passenger assistance

• CPR and First Aid certified

• HIPAA-compliant

• Friendly, patient, and experienced with mobility support

  
  

We serve private residences, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, and hospitals across the Grand Rapids area.

Step-by-Step: How to Schedule a Wheelchair-Accessible Ride

We make scheduling a ride simple and stress-free. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Contact Our Office

Choose one of three ways to get in touch:

• Call 616-635-2981

• Email richf.rmt@gmail.com

• Visit www.reliablemt.net and use our request form

  
  

Our dispatchers are available 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Step 2: Provide Key Ride Details

To ensure the right vehicle and driver are assigned, we’ll need:

• Full name of the rider

• Pickup address (including apartment or unit number)

• Drop-off location (doctor’s office, clinic, hospital)

• Appointment time and estimated duration

• Return trip request (if needed)

• Type of wheelchair (manual or powered)

• Any companions or caregivers riding along

Step 3: Confirm the Ride

Once we receive the details, we’ll:

• Confirm availability

• Assign a vehicle and driver

• Provide a pickup time window

• Send reminders by call, text, or email (your preference)

  
  

We recommend booking at least 24–48 hours in advance, especially for morning appointments or busy times like Mondays and Fridays.

Step 4: The Day of the Appointment

Here’s what to expect:

• The driver arrives within the scheduled window

• Door-to-door assistance is provided if needed

• Your wheelchair is safely secured using a four-point system

• You’ll be dropped off at the clinic entrance, and escorted inside if requested

• If return service is booked, the driver either waits or returns at your chosen time

  
  

Your safety and comfort are our priority every step of the way.

Real-World Example: Weekly Appointments Without the Stress

One of our regular clients, a 77-year-old stroke survivor in Kentwood, uses a power wheelchair and attends physical therapy every Tuesday and Thursday. Her daughter, who works full-time, can’t always leave work.

We scheduled recurring rides with the same driver and pickup window, allowing the client to attend therapy consistently—and her daughter to manage her job without worry. Our team confirms each ride and adjusts for any appointment changes.

Who This Service Is For

• Seniors who use a wheelchair and live alone or in senior housing

• Individuals recovering from surgery, joint replacements, or stroke

• Patients with disabilities who require consistent access to care

• Veterans receiving care at VA clinics or hospitals

• People with chronic illness (e.g., MS, ALS, spinal conditions)

Types of Appointments We Commonly Support

• Primary care checkups

• Specialist visits (cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, etc.)

• Outpatient procedures and post-op follow-ups

• Physical or occupational therapy

• Mental health and counseling appointments

• Vision, dental, and hearing clinics

• Vaccination and lab work visits

Can I Schedule Rides on a Recurring Basis?

Yes. In fact, most of our wheelchair clients choose recurring transportation for:

• Weekly therapy

• Dialysis

• Cancer treatments

• Long-term specialist care

  
  

We can assign the same driver and time slot, creating a consistent routine that’s easy to plan around.

Payment and Insurance Info

Medicaid

If you're enrolled in a Michigan Medicaid plan, you may be eligible for covered transportation. Contact your Medicaid broker or care coordinator to authorize rides through a qualified NEMT provider.

Private Pay

We offer affordable rates for those who:

• Do not qualify for Medicaid

• Need rides for non-covered appointments (e.g., dental, vision, counseling)

• Prefer flexible scheduling outside insurance restrictions

  
  

Call for a quote—we can package recurring appointments for better pricing.

FAQs About Wheelchair Transportation to Doctor Visits

How much notice do I need to give?

We recommend 24–48 hours in advance, but we do our best to accommodate same-day requests based on availability.

Do you provide the wheelchair?

No. Clients must use their own wheelchair, either manual or electric. We provide safe transport and securement.

Can a family member come along?

Yes. One companion is welcome free of charge. Let us know at booking if they’ll be joining.

Can I get picked up from a hospital or rehab center?

Absolutely. We frequently transport clients between hospitals, therapy centers, and home.

Are drivers trained to assist me into the building?

Yes. All drivers offer door-to-door service and can help navigate entryways, ramps, or elevators as needed.

Is this only for medical appointments?

While this blog focuses on doctor visits, we also provide transportation for grocery trips, family events, and more.

A Better Way to Get to the Doctor

Your health matters—and your transportation should reflect that. When you use a wheelchair, the last thing you need is added stress, unsafe vehicles, or unreliable timing.

At Reliable Medical Transportation, we believe that every ride should be safe, simple, and supportive. Whether it’s your first time booking or part of your weekly routine, we’re here to help you get where you need to go—comfortably and on time.

Contact us Today

Need to schedule wheelchair transportation for an upcoming doctor visit?

Call Reliable Medical Transportation at 616-635-2981 Email richf.rmt@gmail.com Or visit  www.reliablemt.net to book your ride today.