• What are your hours?

Our dispatch center operates 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. We never close.

• How do I make a booking?

Call our dispatch office at 1-866-527-9191 or local Hamilton 905-528-6858. The dispatcher will ask you a few questions as per the section called “Booking Information”.

• Do I need to fax a booking request?

No, a Fax is not necessary. Simply call our dispatch to make reservations.

• Why do you need my name?

We need to know who booked the call in case we need to do any follow up calls.

• Why do you ask for the appointment time?

If there is not enough travel time allotted, the patient may miss their appointment. We monitor weather; traffic delays etc and will suggest an earlier time to allow for these elements.

• Will OPT honor a DNR order?

Yes, and we will need a copy of the MOH form.

• Why do you require the patient’s weight?

If the patient is in excess of 200lbs, another crew may be required to safely transfer the patient. By providing the patients weight on booking will avoid any delays. 

• Why do you ask for the amount of stairs at residence?

We ask this question to inform our crews that additional equipment may be required to safely transfer the patient into their residence.

• Will you do a double transfer?

Yes, but you must make the request at time of booking and the patients must be traveling to the same destination. We cannot do a double transfer if one or both of the patients have a DNR.

• Will you transport a psychiatric patient?

Yes, we will transport Voluntary and Involuntary patients (Formed Patients). If the patient must be restrained, an escort must be provided by the sending facility.

• Do you allow family members to accompany patients?

Yes, in fact we encourage it as it usually comforting to the patient

• What do I do if the patient is going to pay? I am usually too busy to gather the payment information and don’t feel comfortable doing it.

We agree, however, we do need to speak to the patient or family member in order to make arrangements for payment. We accept cash or credit card. If the patient is in the emergency department and has neither, our dispatchers will make arrangements with the family.

• Do I need to sign anything?

You will need to sign the transfer sheet in two places. We will leave you with a copy of the call sheet.

• How do I book one of OPT’s nurses for an escort?

Make the request when you are making the booking. We appreciate as much notice as possible in order to ensure that you get your requested booking time. (ONLY AVAILABLE IN CERTAIN SERVICE AREAS)

• How do I pass on a compliment or make a complaint?

Please call our dispatch or email us at info@opt-med.com. We will investigate and reply to you as soon as possible.

DID YOU KNOW? 

• You can pre-book transport days, weeks even months in advance? Just remember to call us with the MT number 24 hours prior to transport.
• That most doctors offices, clinics; diagnostic centers are usually unable to accommodate a stretcher? In most cases when the procedure is only 5-10 minutes, booking this type of transport as a wait & return will alleviate any unnecessary delays. 
• That OPT has wheelchair accessible vehicles for hospitals and clients requiring this mode of transportation.

BOOKING INFORMATION 

• Callers first and last name
• Phone number and or extension of caller
• Patients First and Last Name
• Patients Weight (lbs)
• Patient’s Diagnosis (admitting diagnosis only)
• Oxygen required and Rate
• Patients Precautions (MRSA, VRE, CDIFF etc.)
• Does the patient have a current DNR?
• Transport date
• Time of pick up
• Appointment time and length of appointment
• Pick up Facility, or residential address; postal code, floor, unit/apt, room, buzzer code
• Destination Facility including postal codes, floor, unit/apt, room , buzzer door code
• The amount of stairs if a residential call, and or if there are any barriers
• Hospital Nurse Escort or Family member
  • If our nurse is required, please identify that an NEP is needed
• Payment
  • Sending facility paying
  • Other: Insurance, DVA, ODSP or other Government agencies (authorization needed prior to booking)
  • If the patient is responsible for payment of the transfer, we require payment details and confirmation prior to booking transport
• Type of Transport – One Way, Wait & Return, One-Way with a Call Return
• MT # (PTAC)

PATIENTS WE TRANSPORT 

• Stable Patients

• Patients requiring a stretcher or wheelchair vehicle

• Palliative Patients

• Patients Requiring Oxygen

• Patients Requiring discharge or admission to / from Health Care Facilities or residence

• Patients for diagnostic, consultation or procedures at other facilities

• Patients receiving IV Therapy, or have IV’s with or without medication, infusion pumps or are monitored require a nurse escort

• Patients traveling to or from aircraft

• Critical Care RN’s, RN's and RPN escort's are available, please call about our NEP program

• Psychiatric Patients