Common questions
The questions we hear most
Tap any question to see the answer. If yours is not here, call (612) 314-3637 and ask. We would rather answer the phone than have you guess.
Booking a ride
How do I book a ride?
Use the booking form on the home page. Give us the rider's name, a phone number, where you are going and when, and we call you back the same business day to confirm. You can also call (612) 314-3637 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Either way, we confirm every detail with you before the ride day.
You can also book on the site and we will call you back the same business day to confirm.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can. The moment you have an appointment time, call us. Early morning pickups and standing schedules like dialysis fill up first, and booking early is the only reliable way to get the pickup time you actually want.
Can I book a round trip?
Yes, and for most medical appointments a round trip is what you want. Tell us roughly how long the appointment should take so we can plan the return leg properly.
Can I set up recurring rides?
Yes. Dialysis, infusion, therapy, and wound care all work better as a standing schedule. We record the pattern once and run it, rather than making you call every week. If the treatment schedule changes, one phone call changes the standing schedule.
Can someone else book on my behalf?
Yes. Family members, facility staff, and case managers arrange rides with us regularly. We just need to know who to call to confirm the details and who to contact if something changes on the day.
Is a form submission a confirmed booking?
No, and this matters. Nothing is booked until we have spoken with you and agreed the pickup time. If your appointment is soon, call rather than filling in the form.
What we can and cannot carry
Do you offer wheelchair transport?
Not yet. Bloomlake serves ambulatory riders today, meaning riders who can walk to and from the vehicle on their own or with a cane, walker, or a steadying arm. Wheelchair accessible service is coming.
Call anyway and we will note you so you hear the moment it is running.
Do you provide stretcher or gurney transport?
No. If a rider cannot sit upright for the journey, they need a stretcher provider or an ambulance service, and we will say so on the first call.
What is Wait & Return?
For sedation procedures, colonoscopies, minor same-day surgery, and eye procedures, the driver stays nearby for the whole visit instead of dropping you off and moving on. Many clinics will not discharge you unless someone is physically there to take you home.
Say when you book that the appointment involves sedation, because it changes how the day is scheduled and it needs more notice.
Will the driver help me to the door?
Yes, door to door. The driver will meet you at the door, walk with you to the vehicle, and take you into the building at the other end.
Can a family member or caregiver ride along?
Yes. Tell us when you book so the seat is reserved and the driver is expecting two people.
Do you drive to non-medical destinations?
Ask. The company is built around medical appointments and those come first, but call and we will tell you honestly whether we can fit it in.
Paying for rides
Do you accept Medical Assistance or insurance?
Yes. Bloomlake serves riders covered by Minnesota Medical Assistance and participating health plans, and has an NPI on file so covered rides can be billed to your coverage rather than to you.
What if I do not have coverage?
You can book and pay directly. Ask for the fare when you call so there is no surprise at the end of the ride.
How do I find out whether my plan covers rides?
Call us and we will help you work it out. Coverage rules in Minnesota depend on your program and sometimes on the specific appointment, and it is a confusing thing to sort out alone.
On the day
What happens if my appointment runs late?
Appointments run late constantly and it is not a problem you need to solve. Call us as soon as you know and we will adjust the return leg.
What if I need to cancel?
Call as early as you can. The earlier we know, the more likely that slot goes to another rider who needs it.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
What areas do you serve?
St Paul and Ramsey County first, then Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities metro. The full list is on the service area page. If your address is not listed, call and ask rather than assuming.
What if this is an emergency?
Call 911. Bloomlake is non-emergency transportation and is not an ambulance service.