Medical Flight Transfers After Traumatic Brain Injuries
Angel MedFlight helps patients get to the traumatic brain injury centers of excellence they need to heal - and helps families with ensuring insurance coverage
When a traumatic brain injury occurs, every moment counts—not just in the initial emergency response, but also in getting your loved one to the specialized rehabilitation care they need to maximize recovery. The transition from acute hospital care to a dedicated TBI rehabilitation center of excellence 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 team of compassionate in-flight medical experts have extensive medical training and also have additional training on the particular details of treating patients while flying. Patients with traumatic brain injuries regularly require additional stabilization both in flight and in transit to and from the airplane; our team is well-versed in those requirements to provide a safe, caring medical flight. Additionally, our in-flight teams assist with neuro monitoring, head elevation, taking seizure precautions, helping with ventilatory support, & using strategies to manage intracranial pressure.
Insurance and Financial Considerations When Paying for a Medical Flight Transfer
Medical flight transfers for TBI 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 Stroke?
Insurance companies typically approve medical flight transfers for TBI 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 TBI & 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 TBI 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 TBI patient transport, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of these critical transfers. Our medical teams are specifically trained in TBI patient care, and our aircraft are equipped with the advanced monitoring and life support equipment that stroke patients may require.
We've built relationships with leading stroke 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.