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The driver must be with me while I will have a medical exam done, as well as driving to and from the exam place.

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If you are having a procedure done where you will be under anesthesia you might want to check with the place doing the procedure. They may not allow you to leave with an "unknown" person. I know when I checked for my colonoscopy they said I could not use a "ride share" or cab.
When you leave you are "under the influence" and may be "taken advantage of"
not to mention that they will go over after care instructions with the person taking you home.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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$30 an hour in Ohio, three hour minimum. I believe the hourly rate is a bit higher for less than three hours, but you can do that. We used a care service that would go in to the doctor with my sister.

For several medical procedures for my mother-in-law, they required that the driver stay on site while the procedure was being done. I didn’t have to participate at all, but I think they just wanted a guarantee that when she was ready to go, there would be someone there.
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Reply to WearyJanie
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RuralMe: $30 per hour seems to be the standard rate. Of note - my mother used a driver who was a friend. She routinely laid a twenty dollar bill in his vehicle after he'd repeatedly said that it wasn't necessary. This became a sticking point, making him a bit mad, but mother didn't stop!
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Reply to Llamalover47
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In my area we have a free transportation service for seniors. My aunt uses it and she will tip the driver. They drop off and pick up (not usually sit and wait.)
Many folks on here suggest contacting your local area on aging, I would think they would be familiar with this type of service/resource.
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Reply to Clatour
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It depends on the experience and abilities of the 'driver.' They are more than just a driver if they need to be with you in the exam room.

We do not know why they need to be in the exam room - this is important to know:
- are they needing to listen to the medical provider, take (accurate, clear, legible) notes?
- there for emotional support?
- another reason(s)

You need to know who you are hiring:
* Ask for references.
* Ask about experience.
* You want someone reliable as you do not want to miss a medical appt.

Do:
* Doing a criminal check is often required for caregivers (as the caregiver's expense) (Now... w the government as it is, getting this may not be possible)
* Ensure they have car insurance (ask for a copy)
* Ask for a copy of their DL.

You can interview a few people and see what they say.
You can ask what they charge and then counter-offer if you want to.
Fees have a regional flow.

And, it IS expensive just getting a ride to-from appt plus the time if a person has to wait for you.

As a person who has driven people to medical appointments and been in the exam room (and take notes and ask pertinent questions), it is quite a responsibility - to ensure that the person getting in the (my) car is safe during the transfer. It may include dealing with equipment (walker, wh chair).

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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$30 per hour in rural Maryland and that would be using your car and gas.
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Reply to brandee
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RuralMe Mar 24, 2025
Thank you so much! Sounds pretty reasonable.
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I agree with RR. You will have to pay the going rate for your area. While the truth is that they can do their shopping, ice skating, whatever until your call you need to exit the procedure, if you expect them to BE there then you will have to pay. The going rate in my own area for someone to do this is 50.00 an hour, so pricey. Shop, but be certain you can trust the person who is doing this for you; not something you can afford to have go wrong. Good luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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RuralMe Mar 24, 2025
50 may be a bit steep to me, but it may worth it. I will take it in consideration. Thank you!!
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You pay them whatever their rate is.

If this is a friend or family member, please pay them the going rate. It shows them that we value and appreciate them. Especially since they need to be present the entire time.

I think 25.00 an hour plus mileage if it is far, would be a good place to start the conversation with whomever is taking you.
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Reply to Isthisrealyreal
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RuralMe Mar 24, 2025
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