Medical Flight Transfers After Pulmonary Embolisms, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, COPD Exacerbations & Other Pulmonary Events
Angel MedFlight helps patients get to the pulmonary centers needed to begin treatment or rehabilitation - and helps families with ensuring insurance coverage
When a loved one has a pulmonary embolism, a refractory severe asthma attack, massive hemoptysis, or any other type of pulmonary or respiratory event, every moment counts—not just in the initial emergency response, but also in getting your loved one to the specialized surgical or rehabilitative care they need to maximize recovery. This transition from acute hospital care to a dedicated pulmonary surgical or rehabilitation center is a critical step that often requires medical flight transportation to ensure continuity of care and access to the best possible treatment options.
We understand that navigating medical flight transfers during such a challenging time can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to walk you through exactly what you need to know, step by step, so you can focus on what matters most—your loved one's recovery.
Our medical crew members have an average of 10+ years in the medical field and hold advanced certifications (CFRN, FP-C, ACCS) specific to aviation and the transport environment. Patients who have had recent pulmonary events regularly require additional help from our medical team including- advanced airway management, BiPap or ventilator support, suctioning & secretion management, oxygen titration or blending , and even support ECMO in-flight.
How Much Do Medical Flights After a Pulmonary Event Cost? Are they Covered by Insurance?
Each medical flight is unique, with each starting and ending in different locations, as well as each person needing different levels of care. Because of this, each flight is individually quoted - so give us a call today to understand the likely cost for your medical flight.
Medical flight transfers for pulmonary patients are often covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary. We handle the entire insurance authorization process, working directly with your insurance provider to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and ensure proper coverage.
What We Handle for You with Insurance?
Insurance verification and pre-authorization, direct billing to insurance providers, coordination with case managers, and detailed documentation of medical necessity. Our experienced team has worked with thousands of insurance cases and understands the specific requirements for stroke patient transports.
How Do You Know if You Have Insurance Coverage for a Medical Flight after a Pulmonary Event?
Insurance companies typically approve medical flight transfers for pulmonary patients when the receiving facility offers specialized services not available at the current location, when the patient's condition requires specialized transport capabilities, or when the distance and time factors make ground transportation inappropriate for the patient's medical needs.
See Why Families and Patients Trust Us
What to Know if You’re a Family Member of Someone Who Has Had a Pulmonary Event & Needs a Medical Flight
We understand that this is an incredibly stressful time for families. Our commitment extends beyond just the medical transport—we provide comprehensive support and communication throughout the entire process.
From the moment you contact us, you'll have a dedicated Flight Coordinator who will be your single point of contact. They'll keep you updated on every step of the process, coordinate with both medical facilities, and ensure you understand what's happening at each stage.
Can Family Members fly with a Pulmonary Patient being Transferred?
We can arrange for family members to accompany patients when medically appropriate and space permits. Except in very extenuating circumstances, one family member is normally able to travel onboard the medical flight with the patient.
Certifications
National Board for Respiratory Care
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Flight Paramedic – Certified (FP-C)
Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
The Angel Medical Flight Difference
With over 35,000 flights completed and extensive experience in stroke patient transport, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of these critical transfers. Our medical teams are specifically trained in pulmonary patient care, and our aircraft are equipped with the advanced monitoring and life support equipment that pulmonary patients may require. Our medical flight jets support up to ICU levels of care, including specialty treatments like ECMO – so we can get your loved one transported safely.
We've built relationships with leading pulmonary surgical & rehabilitation centers of excellence across the country and internationally, which means we can help you identify the best options for your specific situation and coordinate seamlessly with those facilities.
Every detail of your medical flight transfer is handled with precision and care. From insurance authorization to bedside-to-bedside care, we coordinate every aspect of the journey so you can focus on supporting your loved one's recovery.