Patients, families, and care coordinators frequently call DachiPlus asking about "wheelchair transportation" — and the right answer depends on a single critical question: can the passenger transfer out of the wheelchair and into a standard vehicle seat? The answer determines the vehicle type, the Medicaid billing category, and which provider is appropriate. Here is everything you need to know to make the right call the first time.
| Sedan / SUV (NEMT) | Wheelchair van (ambulette) | Stretcher transport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger | Can transfer to a car seat | Stays in their wheelchair | Must remain lying down |
| Vehicle | Standard sedan or SUV | Lift/ramp van + securements | Stretcher-equipped van |
| Driver assistance | Door-through-door help | Loads + secures the wheelchair | Trained stretcher handling |
| Typical riders | Ambulatory, foldable-wheelchair users | Power/standard chair, non-transferable | Bedbound, post-op, hospice |
| Medicaid category | Ambulatory / livery | Ambulette (may need authorization) | Stretcher (prior authorization) |
What is the key difference between transfer-capable and non-transferable wheelchair transport?
Transfer-capable means the passenger can safely move from their wheelchair into a regular vehicle seat with some assistance. The wheelchair folds and goes in the trunk or cargo area. The passenger rides in a standard seat with a seatbelt. This is the most common scenario for manual wheelchair users who have adequate upper-body strength, cognitive ability, or hip/knee mobility to make the transfer with a driver's assistance.
Non-transferable means the passenger must remain in their wheelchair for the entire trip. The vehicle must be equipped with a hydraulic lift or ramp and four-point tie-down securement for the wheelchair frame. This is called an ambulette in New York, or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).
Choosing the wrong category creates real problems: sending a standard vehicle to a passenger who cannot transfer wastes the trip and delays medical care. Requesting an ambulette when the patient can transfer often means longer wait times and higher cost. Getting this right at booking time matters.
Which patients typically need an ambulette vs standard NEMT?
Standard NEMT (transfer-capable) is appropriate for:
- Manual wheelchair users with adequate upper-body strength and hip flexibility
- Patients who use a wheelchair part of the time but can sit in a car seat for the trip duration
- Post-surgical patients using a wheelchair temporarily but cleared by their surgeon to transfer
- Patients who use a lightweight folding wheelchair and can stand briefly with support
Ambulette (non-transferable) service is required for:
- Power wheelchair users — motorized chairs are too heavy to lift and cannot fold
- Patients with severe contractures, spinal cord injuries, or paralysis that prevent safe transfer
- Patients with a customized or specialized seating system that must stay in place for medical reasons
- Bariatric patients whose weight or body mechanics make transfer unsafe
- Patients whose physician has documented medical necessity for wheelchair-secured transport
How does DachiPlus handle each type of wheelchair transport?
DachiPlus directly serves ambulatory patients and transfer-capable wheelchair users in Nassau and Suffolk County. Our drivers are trained to assist with the transfer process safely — helping the passenger from their chair to the vehicle seat, securing the folded wheelchair in the cargo area, and reversing the process at the destination.
For passengers who require ambulette (non-transferable wheelchair) service, DachiPlus coordinates through licensed ambulette partners serving Long Island. When you call us at (516) 754-7777, we assess your needs and either serve the trip directly or connect you with the appropriate ambulette provider. We handle the coordination so you are not making multiple calls.
What questions should you ask your doctor to determine the right vehicle level?
If there is any uncertainty about the appropriate transport level, ask your physician or physical therapist these questions at your next appointment:
- "Am I cleared to transfer from my wheelchair to a standard vehicle seat with driver assistance?"
- "Do I need wheelchair-secured transport for medical reasons?"
- "Should my transport order specify ambulatory, transfer-capable, or ambulette-level service?"
- "If Medicaid covers my trips, should you document the required transport level in my chart?"
When a physician documents transport requirements in writing, MAS uses this documentation to approve the appropriate vehicle level and ensure the right vehicle is dispatched every time. Without documentation, MAS may default to the lowest appropriate level, which can create mismatches on the day of the trip.
How does Medicaid cover wheelchair transportation in New York?
New York Medicaid covers both standard NEMT and ambulette-level transportation when medically necessary. When booking through MAS at 1-844-666-6270, you must accurately describe your mobility needs during the call. MAS will then determine and approve the appropriate vehicle level.
The billing codes and reimbursement rates differ between standard NEMT and ambulette service — ambulette is reimbursed at a higher rate because the vehicle, equipment, and driver training requirements are higher. This is handled entirely between DachiPlus (or your ambulette partner) and MAS. The patient pays nothing for either level of Medicaid-covered service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ambulette and a wheelchair van?
In New York, these terms are often used interchangeably, but technically an ambulette is a licensed non-emergency medical vehicle equipped with a hydraulic lift or ramp and four-point wheelchair securement. A wheelchair van is a general term for any van modified to transport wheelchair users. An ambulette meets specific NYS DOH licensing standards for Medicaid-covered wheelchair transportation.
Does DachiPlus provide wheelchair van transportation?
DachiPlus primarily serves ambulatory patients and wheelchair users who can transfer to a standard vehicle seat. For passengers who must remain in their wheelchair during transport (non-transferable), DachiPlus coordinates through licensed ambulette partners serving Nassau and Suffolk County. Call (516) 754-7777 and we determine the right vehicle based on your needs.
How do I know if I need an ambulette or a standard medical transport vehicle?
The key question is: can you safely transfer from your wheelchair to a standard vehicle seat with assistance? If yes, a standard NEMT sedan or SUV from DachiPlus is appropriate. If you must remain in your wheelchair for the entire trip — due to severe contractures, a power wheelchair, a specialized seating system, or medical fragility — you need an ambulette with a lift and four-point securement.
Does Medicaid cover wheelchair van transportation in New York?
Yes. New York Medicaid covers both standard NEMT (ambulatory) and wheelchair-accessible van (ambulette) transportation when medically necessary. The appropriate vehicle type is determined during the MAS booking call. Call MAS at 1-844-666-6270 and clearly describe your mobility needs so the correct vehicle is dispatched.
Can a doctor prescribe a specific type of medical transport vehicle?
Yes. A physician can document in writing that a patient requires ambulette (wheelchair-secured) transport rather than ambulatory NEMT. This documentation helps with Medicaid approval for the higher-level vehicle type and ensures MAS dispatches the correct vehicle. If there is any question about which level of transport is appropriate, ask your doctor or physical therapist.