At a glance
Medical ride
Planned transport without medical care during the journey.
Patient transport
Professional medical support or specialist vehicle equipment is required.
Emergency
In an acute emergency, call the emergency services.
The most important difference
These terms describe different types of transport. According to the German National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), a medical ride does not include medical care during the journey. Qualified patient transport may be required when professional medical support or specialist vehicle equipment is needed. An ambulance or other emergency vehicle is used for emergencies.
Medical rides
A medical ride can use public transport, a private vehicle, taxi or hire car. This category can also include wheelchair-accessible vehicles. PrimaFahrten provides planned medical rides in Berlin without medical care during the journey.
Qualified patient transport
Qualified patient transport uses a patient transport vehicle when the passenger's health requires professional care or appropriate specialist equipment. A planned medical ride with PrimaFahrten does not replace qualified patient transport.
Ambulances and emergency services
In the event of acute danger, severe sudden symptoms or another emergency, call 112. A scheduled transport provider is not the appropriate service.
Determine whether a planned medical ride, qualified patient transport or emergency care is required before booking.
Make the right preparation
- Discuss medical necessity and the required type of transport with the treating practice.
- If transport is prescribed, use the information on Germany's Muster 4 form.
- Clarify any required prior approval with the health insurer.
- Provide the chosen transport provider with all mobility and access information.
The German Patient Transport Directive sets out the legal framework for prescriptions.
