Ambulance — for emergencies only
An ambulance is an emergency medical vehicle staffed by trained EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) or paramedics. Its purpose is to respond to medical emergencies, stabilize patients in crisis, administer medications or oxygen en route, and transport patients to an emergency department as quickly as possible. In New York, ambulances are dispatched by calling 911.
Ambulances are appropriate when a patient's life or health is in immediate danger: a heart attack, stroke, severe fall injury, respiratory distress, or any situation where there is a reasonable likelihood that the patient will need medical intervention before reaching the hospital. The paramedics on board carry advanced medical equipment and are authorized to perform interventions that require clinical training.
From a financial standpoint, ambulance rides are expensive — often $1,000–$2,500 or more in the New York area — and while insurance (including Medicaid and Medicare) covers emergency ambulance transport in genuine emergencies, both programs have strict criteria. Using an ambulance for a non-emergency trip can result in claim denials and significant patient liability. If the patient does not meet the medical necessity criteria for emergency transport, the cost may not be covered regardless of insurance type.
The short rule: if it is not an emergency requiring immediate medical intervention, call an NEMT provider, not 911.
Ambulette — scheduled, non-emergency, wheelchair stays in vehicle
An ambulette is a specially equipped non-emergency vehicle designed to transport wheelchair users to and from medical appointments. The defining feature of an ambulette is that the patient remains seated in their wheelchair throughout the entire trip. The wheelchair is loaded onto the vehicle using a hydraulic lift or ramp and secured inside with a four-point securement system (straps at each corner of the wheelchair frame) that prevents movement during transit.
In New York, ambulettes are regulated by the Department of Health and must meet specific vehicle standards, driver training requirements, and certification criteria. Ambulette service falls within the NEMT category — it is non-emergency, scheduled transportation — but it is the specialized end of that category, designed for wheelchair users who cannot transfer to a standard seat.
Ambulette service is commonly used by dialysis patients who are wheelchair-bound, oncology patients with limited mobility, seniors with progressive mobility limitations, and patients returning home after hospital stays that have affected their ability to transfer. Medicaid covers ambulette transportation through MAS when there is documented medical necessity for the patient to remain in their wheelchair during transport.
DachiPlus is in the process of adding ambulette service to our fleet. If you require ambulette-level service today, call us at (516) 754-7777 and we can discuss your options and timeline.
Wheelchair van (WAV) — similar to ambulette
A wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) is a broader category that includes any vehicle modified to accommodate wheelchair users. The patient remains in their wheelchair for the trip, and the vehicle has a lift or ramp for loading. In everyday use, "wheelchair van" and "ambulette" are often used interchangeably by patients and families — and the vehicles themselves are very similar.
The practical distinction is regulatory. In New York, an "ambulette" specifically refers to a state-regulated, DOH-certified vehicle operating under the NEMT framework. A WAV may refer to a vehicle used for non-medical accessible transportation — for example, accessible taxi services, paratransit, or transport to non-medical destinations. Not all WAV operators are certified for Medicaid NEMT; not all ambulette operators are licensed for paratransit.
For medical transportation purposes, if you need to remain in your wheelchair for the trip, you need either an ambulette (for medical appointments, especially under Medicaid) or a WAV from a provider that is certified for the type of trip you need. Always confirm the vehicle type and the provider's credentials before booking.
Standard NEMT — for ambulatory passengers and wheelchair users who can transfer
Standard non-emergency medical transportation covers two passenger types: those who are fully ambulatory (they walk to and from the vehicle) and those who use a wheelchair but are able to transfer — that is, move from their wheelchair to a standard vehicle seat with assistance.
For ambulatory passengers, the vehicle is typically a sedan, minivan, or SUV. The driver provides door-through-door escort — meeting the passenger at their door, walking them to the vehicle, and accompanying them into the medical facility at the destination.
For wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat, the process involves the driver bringing the vehicle to the passenger, assisting the transfer from wheelchair to vehicle seat, folding and storing the wheelchair, driving to the destination, and reversing the process on arrival. The driver is trained in safe transfer assistance and knows how to support the passenger without causing discomfort or injury.
This is DachiPlus's primary service offering today. We serve ambulatory passengers and wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat, across Nassau and Suffolk County, under Medicaid (through MAS) and private pay.
How to know which one you need
Use this decision guide to identify the right service for your situation:
- Is there a medical emergency happening right now? Call 911. You need an ambulance.
- Is the appointment scheduled and non-emergency? You need NEMT (not an ambulance).
- Can you walk to the vehicle and seat yourself, with or without a cane or walker? Standard ambulatory NEMT is appropriate.
- Do you use a wheelchair but can transfer to a standard vehicle seat with driver assistance? Wheelchair-accessible NEMT with transfer is appropriate — this is DachiPlus's primary wheelchair service today.
- Do you use a wheelchair and cannot transfer — you must remain in your chair throughout the trip? You need an ambulette. DachiPlus is adding ambulette service; call us to discuss timing and alternatives.
- Do you need medical monitoring during the trip — oxygen, IV, vital sign monitoring? If the monitoring is for an emergency or acute situation, call 911. If it is routine (like portable oxygen that you self-manage), standard NEMT may still be appropriate — let the provider know in advance.
When in doubt, call DachiPlus at (516) 754-7777 and describe your situation. We will tell you honestly whether we are the right service for your needs, and if not, what type of provider you should be looking for.
How DachiPlus fits in
DachiPlus currently specializes in ambulatory NEMT and wheelchair transport for passengers who can transfer to a standard vehicle seat. We serve patients in Nassau and Suffolk County traveling to dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, specialist appointments, hospital discharges, and other medical appointments.
We are Medicaid-credentialed through MAS, which means we can serve Medicaid members at no cost to the patient. We also serve private pay patients, Medicare Advantage members, workers' comp and no-fault claimants, and VA Community Care-eligible veterans.
Ambulette service — for wheelchair users who must remain in their chair during transport — is actively being added to our fleet. If you need ambulette service today and want to know more about our timeline or discuss a specific trip, call us at (516) 754-7777.
Ready to book?
Not sure which service you need? Call us and describe your situation.
We serve ambulatory passengers and wheelchair users who can transfer to a seat across Nassau and Suffolk County. If you are not sure whether we are the right fit, call — we will tell you honestly.