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Robert Lewinger is tired of being berated by his gastroenterologist because he’s overdue for a colonoscopy. He’s perfectly willing to have one. And he’s more than ready for cataract surgery on his second eye.
The problem: Mr. Lewinger, 72, a retired lawyer who lives in Manhattan, can’t schedule either of these procedures, which involve anesthesia or sedation, unless he supplies the name and phone number of the person taking him home afterward. Otherwise, clinics and outpatient surgical centers refuse to make appointments.
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He envisions “just a straightforward ‘Call this number and they’ll arrange it,’” he said. “It shouldn’t be up to the patient to figure it out.”
This article appeared in today's New York Times. I had my colonoscopy about a month ago. On the ride home my wife and I discussed what would happen if she were ill, or worked full-time. I think Uber or Lyft should be fine, notwithstanding fanciful possibilities of the person getting motion-sick on the ride. After all, even a neighbor or friend might run out of time.
This article appeared in today's New York Times. I had my colonoscopy about a month ago. On the ride home my wife and I discussed what would happen if she were ill, or worked full-time. I think Uber or Lyft should be fine, notwithstanding fanciful possibilities of the person getting motion-sick on the ride. After all, even a neighbor or friend might run out of time.
Friend of mine rode his bike home, about 10 miles, after his colonoscopy. I drove myself home after carpal tunnel release surgery, twice. I didn't take my manual transmission though.
Friend of mine rode his bike home, about 10 miles, after his colonoscopy. I drove myself home after carpal tunnel release surgery, twice. I didn't take my manual transmission though.
We have to drive about 30 miles to get to the surgery center. If we lived alone and needed cataract surgery, (for example), I guess we would have to impose on friends/neighbors.
It depends on where you are having it. I was scheduled for a procedure under GA, I knew the outpatient surgery center was very strict. Friend who was going to drive me started talking about running errands, etc. I was able to get another friend to drive me. When we checked in, they gave her the third degree - color of car, license plate, etc. Plus there is only one way in and out of the parking area and they have eyes on it. Driver has to stay there the whole time.
This place insists it be someone you know - not an Uber or Lyft. I guess they are concerned about someone taking advantage of you financially while you are groggy. I guess you could hire someone and lie about knowing them.
I do volunteer driving for a local transit agency, mostly medical appointments, but never anything involving anesthesia or sedation.
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I suppose there are people with no friends, relatives or neighbors that they can call upon, but that means even worse than no ride home, no one checking up on them. What if they have a heart attack or fall and can't get up? Besides my wife and 3 kids,
we have friends in the area, and even 3 different neighbors that would be happy to help out with a a ride to/from the doctor if needed. I suspect that this guy Robert is just using this as an excuse to avoid the procedure.
It's not possible for certain procedures. You are required to have a ride home and in my case having someone spend the night. just one night. I had rotator cuff surgery and as I was dressing and had to call my driver, Dad and brother on the phone to see if someone could spend the night, I hear my brother in the background saying, I can't. LOL Then Dad said I will and they let me go. He didn't spend the night but lives next door so all was good till the nerve block wore off in the middle of the night
Just had a colonoscopy in Feb. and Dad wanted to go get coffee or something, he was able to leave his number for them to call when I was done.
This article appeared in today's New York Times. I had my colonoscopy about a month ago. On the ride home my wife and I discussed what would happen if she were ill, or worked full-time. I think Uber or Lyft should be fine, notwithstanding fanciful possibilities of the person getting motion-sick on the ride. After all, even a neighbor or friend might run out of time.
I had this exact dilemma a few months ago. Hubby had had hip surgery, so couldn’t drive, and I needed an epidural, for which they only use local anesthetic, but I still wasn’t allowed to drive myself. Fortunately, a friend was willing to drive from 2 hours away to drive me.
Some of the senior services around here used to have drivers who were paid mileage to take people to outpatient or office visits, but they seem to have been discontinued during the pandemic.
I would be willing to drive people to appointments, but I can’t find an organization to work out of, and I’m not motivated enough to organize it myself.
My carpal tunnel surgeries were done under local anesthesia. My friend was a doctor at the place where he had his colonoscopy. I'm sure he waited a bit. The only reason I know he rode home is because I saw him riding his bike and he later told me he was going home from his colonoscopy.
There are many companies who provide the requested service. Ignoring the "folksy" family comments, they provide escorted door-to-door service to and from surgical procedures.
"Ride Aid Transportation is like a stand-in friend who fills in as your designated driver and appointment companion. You don’t have to cancel or delay an appointment. You can count on us to pick you up on time and take you to your appointment and provide you the level of support you need. Our comprehensive transportation service goes beyond mere logistics. We feel very compassionate towards our customers and put ourselves in their shoes. We see our clients as an extension of our own family and will make sure you are taken care of during this vulnerable time. We are able to provide a one-time, door to door transportation service, where we take you to your appointment and pick you up afterwards or we can offer a comprehensive service, which includes some or all these services based on your needs and preferences."
"Suburban Transportation is Central New York’s leading provider of outpatient surgery transportation. Surgery can be a stressful event, but transportation to your surgery shouldn’t be. Our experienced team of drivers are dedicated to ensuring you have a pleasant ride to and from your outpatient surgery. "
"Amera has transformed the outpatient experience by offering a convenient, specialized, superior client / patient Medical Logistics Service with all-inclusive cost for transportation alternative solutions for ambulatory outpatient procedures."
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