Frequently Asked Questions

As early as you can — advance notice gives us the best chance to confirm your preferred time. Recommended lead times are published once operating policies are finalized. owner: set lead-time policy

You can submit a same-day request or call us; same-day trips depend on availability and are never guaranteed until confirmed by dispatch.

No. Every request is reviewed by our team first. You'll receive a written confirmation with a pickup window when the trip is approved. Do not rely on an unconfirmed request for time-sensitive care.

Yes — dialysis, therapy and other repeat visits can be set up as standing schedules with reminders before every trip.

Call dispatch as soon as you know. We adjust your return pickup, and "call when ready" returns are available for unpredictable appointments. Wait-time charges, where applicable, are explained before you book.

Absolutely. The request form asks whether you're the patient, a family member, a caregiver or a facility — and collects your contact details so we coordinate with the right person.

Yes. Facilities, case managers and discharge planners schedule trips for patients regularly — see our Facilities & Partners page.

Communities within approximately a 60-mile radius of Columbus — all of Franklin County plus surrounding Central Ohio cities like Dublin, Westerville, Newark, Lancaster, Delaware and Springfield. See the service area — and contact us for trips beyond 60 miles.

Yes — one-way, round-trip with a scheduled return, or "call when ready" return pickups.

Wheelchair-accessible service is offered as listed on our Wheelchair Transportation page, with availability confirmed at scheduling. Tell us your chair type and dimensions so we plan the right vehicle.

An approved companion or escort can usually ride along — note it in your request so we plan seating.

Yes — we coordinate with patients, families and discharge teams and adjust pickups as the discharge process finishes. See Hospital Discharge Transportation.

Yes — including standing recurring schedules. See Dialysis and Rehabilitation & Therapy.

Long-distance trips are reviewed and quoted individually, and offered only when verified as available. Learn more.

No. Safety First Transportation is non-emergency transportation only. For a medical emergency, call 911.

No. Drivers assist with mobility and comfort within their training, but do not provide medical treatment, monitoring or emergency care. If a passenger needs medical care during a trip, drivers call 911.

Pricing reflects mileage, vehicle type, wait time and trip specifics. Our estimate tool gives a preliminary range; final pricing is confirmed in writing after review.

Yes — private pay is welcome, with a written estimate before you confirm.

Insurance and payment options vary. Verify your transportation benefit directly with your plan, and contact our team to confirm eligibility and availability — coverage is never guaranteed until authorization is confirmed. verified payer list to be published

Medicaid transportation authorization is listed as a payment option only if and when provider status is verified. Contact your plan and our team to confirm — we will never tell you a trip is covered until authorization is confirmed. owner: verify Medicaid status

For insurance- or facility-covered trips, often yes. Your plan or case manager issues the authorization; our team can tell you what we need to schedule.

Payment terms are stated in your written confirmation. owner: set payment terms

Please give as much notice as possible; notice periods and any fees are published in the Cancellation & No-Show Policy.

Wait time can affect pricing for wait-and-return service; any wait-time rate is disclosed with your estimate before you confirm.

Your confirmation details, any mobility equipment, medications you need with you, insurance/authorization paperwork if applicable, and a phone we can reach you on.

Please be ready at the start of your pickup window — dressed, equipment ready, door accessible. It keeps every rider's day on time.

How you get around (walking, cane, walker, manual or power wheelchair), whether you can transfer to a seat, and any equipment dimensions for accessible vehicles.

Tell us in the request what you'll travel with. Portable equipment that can be safely secured is generally accommodated within company policy. owner: confirm equipment policy

Service animals are welcome consistent with applicable law. Please mention the animal in your request so the driver is prepared.

Tell us the number of stairs and whether an elevator exists — drivers assist within their training and safe limits, and we plan extra help when it's needed.

Call dispatch. If a situation exceeds what a driver can safely do, we'll help arrange the right solution rather than risk an unsafe assist.