Home — Stretcher Transportation
Professional NEMT Stretcher Transportation Services in South Florida
Jano Med-Ride provides NEMT stretcher transportation services for bed-bound and non-ambulatory patients throughout Broward, Palm Beach, & Miami-Dade Counties, as well as our surrounding areas. Our specially equipped stretcher vans accommodate standard hospital stretchers and bariatric patients up to 750 lbs, with trained two-person crews ensuring safe transfers and comfortable transport.
When sitting upright isn’t possible—hospital discharges, post-surgery recovery, hospice care—our private-pay stretcher transport delivers the professional medical transportation your loved one deserves, without the delays and coordination nightmares of government-funded programs.
What is NEMT Stretcher Transportation?
NEMT stretcher transportation (also called gurney transport or non-emergency stretcher transport) is specialized medical transport for patients who must remain in a lying-down position during the journey.
Unlike wheelchair transportation where patients sit upright, stretcher transport uses medical-grade stretchers secured inside specially equipped vans for patients who are bed-bound, recovering from surgery, or have medical conditions requiring horizontal positioning.
Jano Med-Ride offers private-pay stretcher transportation services—we don’t accept Medicaid or Medicare. Our stretcher van transportation serves self-pay patients, private insurance holders, workers’ compensation cases, hospice patients, and medical tourists who need reliable, professional non-ambulatory patient transport.
When do you need stretcher transportation vs wheelchair? Choose stretcher transport if the patient cannot sit upright for extended periods due to pain, medical instability, surgical restrictions, or being bed-bound. Choose wheelchair transportation if the patient can sit comfortably upright but uses a wheelchair for mobility. If you’re unsure which service is appropriate, call us for guidance based on your specific situation.
Who Needs NEMT Stretcher Transportation?
Ideal Patients for Non-Emergency Medical Stretcher Transport:
Hospital Discharge Patients
Patients being discharged from hospital to home, nursing facility, or hospice who cannot sit in a standard wheelchair. Post-surgery patients with mobility restrictions often require stretcher transport for the journey home.
Post-Surgical Patients
Major surgeries (spinal surgery, hip replacement, abdominal procedures) may restrict upright sitting during early recovery. Stretcher transportation provides safe, comfortable positioning during medical transport.
Bed-Bound Individuals
Patients with severe mobility limitations, advanced chronic illness, or conditions requiring bed rest need stretcher transport for essential medical appointments they cannot miss.
Hospice & Palliative Care
End-of-life care patients requiring transport home from hospital, between care facilities, or to specialized hospice centers benefit from gentle, dignified stretcher transport with compassionate crews.
Bariatric Patients
Patients exceeding standard wheelchair weight limits (over 600 lbs) need bariatric stretcher transportation with reinforced equipment and specialized transfer techniques.
Inter-Facility Transfers
Hospital-to-hospital, hospital-to-nursing home, or nursing home-to-rehabilitation facility transfers for non-ambulatory patients requiring lying-down transport.
Severe Pain Patients
Conditions causing extreme pain when upright (spinal injuries, fractures, severe arthritis) necessitate stretcher transportation to minimize discomfort during travel.
Our NEMT Stretcher Transport Process
#1 - Pre-Transport Assesment
We discuss your patient's specific needs: weight, medical conditions, oxygen requirements, pain management needs, and any special handling instructions. This ensures we assign the appropriate vehicle and crew.
#2 - Two-Person Trained Crew
All stretcher transports include two professionally trained crew members—never a single driver attempting stretcher transfers alone. Both crew members are background-checked with specialized training in patient transfers and stretcher securement.
#3 - Stretcher Equipment
We arrive with medical-grade stretcher equipment appropriate for your patient's needs:
-Standard stretchers (up to 500 lbs)
-Bariatric stretchers (up to 750 lbs)
-Oxygen tank accommodation
-IV pole mounting if needed
-Clean linens and positioning supports
#4 - Professional Loading
Our crew coordinates with nursing staff (if hospital discharge) or family members to safely transfer the patient from bed to stretcher. We use proper lifting techniques and positioning to ensure patient comfort and safety.
#5 - Secure Transport
The stretcher is locked into floor-mounted tracks inside the van, preventing any movement during transport. Soft restraints ensure patient safety without compromising comfort. Climate control maintains appropriate temperature, and smooth-ride suspension minimizes jostling.
#6 -Vital Sign Monitoring
While we're non-emergency transport (not ambulance service), our crews can monitor basic vital signs if requested and report any concerns. We maintain communication with receiving facilities for expected arrival times.
#7 - Gentle Unloading & Transfer
Upon arrival, we coordinate with receiving facility staff or family members to transfer the patient from our stretcher to their bed. We remain until the patient is safely positioned and comfortable.
NEMT Stretcher Transportation Services
Hospital Discharge Transport:
- Emergency room to home transport
- Inpatient discharge to residence or care facility
- Same-day surgery discharge
- Post-ICU transport to nursing facilities
- Observation unit releases
Inter-Facility Transfers:
- Hospital-to-hospital transfers
- Hospital-to-nursing home transport
- Nursing home-to-rehabilitation center
- Long-term acute care hospital transfers
- Specialty hospital transport
Hospice & End-of-Life Care:
- Hospital to hospice facility transport
- Home hospice setup transportation
- Palliative care facility transfers
- Final journey home transport
- Compassionate care with dignity
Medical Appointment Transport:
- Dialysis for bed-bound patients
- Radiation/chemotherapy treatments
- Wound care center appointments
- Pain management clinic visits
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scan)
Long-Distance Stretcher Transport:
- Out-of-state medical facility transfers
- Florida hospital-to-hospital long distance
- Medical tourism return transport
- Specialty center consultations
- Clinical trial participation
Stretcher Transport vs. Wheelchair Transport
Choosing the Right Service:
Stretcher Transportation:
- Patient must lie down
- Bed-bound or severe mobility limits
- Cannot sit for extended periods
- Recent surgery requiring horizontal position
- Bariatric patients over 600 lbs
- Hospital bed positioning needed
- Two-person crew required
- Higher cost due to specialized equipment
Wheelchair Transportation:
- Patient can sit upright
- Uses wheelchair for mobility
- Can sit comfortably during transport
- Post-surgery with sitting tolerance
- Standard or bariatric wheelchair users
- Wheelchair positioning sufficient
- Single driver typically sufficient
- More economical for appropriate patients
Still unsure which service you need? Our team can help assess your situation. Call us and we’ll ask simple questions about the patient’s mobility and comfort to recommend the safest, most appropriate medical transportation service.
NEMT Stretcher Transportation Coverage Area
Jano Med-Ride provides stretcher transport throughout South Florida:
Broward County:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pompano Beach
- Coral Springs
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Weston
- Deerfield Beach
- Tamarac
- Lauderhill
- Cooper City
- all surrounding communities
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pompano Beach
- Coral Springs
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Weston
- Deerfield Beach
- Tamarac
- Lauderhill
- Cooper City
- all surrounding communities
Palm Beach County:
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Boynton Beach
- Lake Worth
- Jupiter
- Wellington
- Royal Palm Beach
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Greenacres
- all surrounding areas
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Boynton Beach
- Lake Worth
- Jupiter
- Wellington
- Royal Palm Beach
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Greenacres
- all surrounding areas
Miami-Dade County:
- Miami
- Hialeah
- Miami Beach
- Coral Gables
- Kendall
- Homestead
- Doral
- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Aventura
- Cutler Bay
- Pinecrest
- Palmetto Bay
- all surrounding communities
- Miami
- Hialeah
- Miami Beach
- Coral Gables
- Kendall
- Homestead
- Doral
- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Aventura
- Cutler Bay
- Pinecrest
- Palmetto Bay
- all surrounding communities
Monroe County:
- Key Largo
- Tavernier
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- Big Pine Key
- Key West
- all of the Florida Keys communities
- Key Largo
- Tavernier
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- Big Pine Key
- Key West
- all of the Florida Keys communities
We provide specialized long-distance wheelchair transportation throughout the 100+ mile island chain and connect patients to mainland facilities when needed.
Martin County:
- Stuart
- Jensen Beach
- Palm City
- Port Salerno
- Hobe Sound
- Indiantown
- Sewall's Point
- all surrounding areas
- Stuart
- Jensen Beach
- Palm City
- Port Salerno
- Hobe Sound
- Indiantown
- Sewall's Point
- all surrounding areas
St. Lucie County:
- Port St. Lucie (including Tradition and St. Lucie West)
- Fort Pierce
- all surrounding communities
- Port St. Lucie (including Tradition and St. Lucie West)
- Fort Pierce
- all surrounding communities
In addition to specialized long-distance stretcher transportation throughout the 100+ mile Florida Keys island chain which connects our patients to mainland facilities when needed, we also provide long-distance stretcher transportation across the entire State of Florida and even the USA.
NEMT Stretcher Transportation Cost & Insurance
Transparent Pricing
Stretcher transportation cost varies based on several factors:
-
Distance: Local stretcher transport (within Broward/Palm Beach/Miami-Dade Counties) starts at $199. Long-distance transport is priced per mile with minimum trip charges.
-
Service Type:
-One-way transport (hospital to home)
-Round-trip with wait time (appointment drop-off & pickup)
-Inter-facility transfer with coordination time
-Emergency/urgent same-day service (premium pricing)
-
Patient Requirements:
-Standard stretcher (up to 500 lbs): base pricing
-Bariatric stretcher (501-750 lbs): additional fee for specialized equipment
-Oxygen requirements: tank provided at no extra charge
-Extra medical equipment: IV poles, monitors (quoted individually)
Unlike free Medicaid stretcher transport (which we don’t accept), private-pay service delivers:
- Same-day/next-day availability (not 3-7 day wait)
- Two-person professional crew (not single driver)
- Modern, well-maintained equipment, including our brand new Ferno Power X1 stretchers
- Direct booking without broker intermediaries
- Flexible scheduling including nights and weekends
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans, Medicare Advantage plans, workers’ compensation policies, and long-term care insurance cover or reimburse non-emergency stretcher transportation when medically necessary.
We provide detailed receipts, including:
- Medical necessity documentation
- Service date, time, pickup/drop-off locations
- Crew credentials and service description
- Proper coding for insurance submission
Check your coverage by asking: “Does my plan cover non-emergency stretcher transport for bed-bound patients?”
Bariatric Stretcher Transportation
Jano Med-Ride accommodates bariatric patients up to 750 lbs with specialized stretcher transportation equipment and trained crews experienced in bariatric patient handling.
Specialized Service for Bariatric Patients
Jano Med-Ride accommodates bariatric patients up to 750 lbs with specialized stretcher transportation equipment and trained crews experienced in bariatric patient handling.
Bariatric Stretcher Features:
- Reinforced stretcher frames rated to 750 lbs
- Extra-wide stretcher surface (30+ inches)
- Heavy-duty loading systems
- Bariatric-trained two-person crews
- Specialized transfer techniques
- Dignity and respect throughout process
Bariatric Patient Transport Considerations:
Advance notice required for equipment preparation
Vehicle assignment based on patient weight
Three-person crew for patients over 600 lbs
Additional coordination with facilities for transfer
Premium pricing reflects specialized equipment and crew
Bariatric transport requires sensitivity and professionalism. Our crews treat every patient with dignity, respect, and expert care regardless of size.
FAQ - Stretcher Transportation Questions

What is stretcher transportation?
Stretcher transportation is specialized medical transport for patients who must remain lying down during the journey. Using medical-grade stretchers secured in specially equipped vans, stretcher transport (also called gurney transport or non-emergency stretcher transport) serves bed-bound patients, post-surgery patients restricted from sitting upright, hospice patients, and anyone whose medical condition requires horizontal positioning during transport. Unlike ambulance services for emergencies, stretcher transportation handles non-urgent medical appointments, hospital discharges, and inter-facility transfers.

When do you need stretcher transportation vs wheelchair?
You need stretcher transportation if the patient cannot sit upright for extended periods due to surgery restrictions, severe pain, being bed-bound, medical instability, or exceeding wheelchair weight limits (over 600 lbs). You need wheelchair transportation if the patient can sit comfortably upright but uses a wheelchair for mobility. If someone can walk short distances but needs support, ambulatory transportation is appropriate. Call us for personalized guidance based on your situation.

Can stretcher transport accommodate bariatric patients?
Yes, Jano Med-Ride provides bariatric stretcher transportation for patients up to 750 lbs. We use reinforced bariatric stretchers, heavy-duty loading systems, and specialized two-person (or three-person for 600+ lbs) crews trained in bariatric patient handling. Bariatric stretcher transport requires advance notice for appropriate vehicle and equipment assignment. We treat all bariatric patients with dignity, respect, and professional care throughout the transport process.

How much does stretcher transportation cost?
Stretcher transportation cost in South Florida starts at $199 for local transport within Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, varying by distance, patient weight (standard vs. bariatric), oxygen requirements, and service urgency. Long-distance stretcher transport is priced individually. Unlike free Medicaid stretcher transport (which we don't accept), private-pay service offers same-day availability, professional two-person crews, modern equipment, and direct booking without broker delays. Many private insurance plans cover or reimburse non-emergency stretcher transport.

Do you transport stretcher patients long distance?
Yes, Jano Med-Ride provides long-distance stretcher transportation throughout Florida and to neighboring states for specialized medical care, second opinions, clinical trials, and facility transfers. Long-distance stretcher transport requires advance scheduling (typically 24-48 hours) for crew coordination and route planning. Pricing is based on round-trip mileage, crew time, patient needs, and whether overnight accommodation is required. We've safely transported bed-bound patients from South Florida to Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and other specialty centers nationwide.
Ready for Professional Stretcher Transportation?
When your loved one needs gentle, professional medical transport while remaining in a lying-down position, trust Jano Med-Ride’s experienced crews and specialized equipment. We provide dignified stretcher transportation for hospital discharges, medical appointments, and inter-facility transfers throughout South Florida.
- Available 24|7|365
- Two-Person Crews
- Bariatric Capability
- Private-Pay Only
- Available 24|7|365
- Two-Person Crews
- Bariatric Capability
- Private-Pay Only
Need more support? Explore wheelchair transportation or compare all NEMT services.