After a crash, many people in the St. Louis metro lose the car for days or weeks while it is inspected, repaired, or towed. Getting to the first visit can then become the hardest part of the week, and it is easy to put off the question of how you will get there until the morning of the appointment. A short plan made at the start of the week avoids that problem.
Settle the ride when you book
When you schedule, write down three things: the address, the arrival time, and the name and phone number of the person driving you. Keep that information on the same paper as the appointment time. If someone else is arranging the trip, confirm the plan with them the day before. A ride that changes at the last minute is one of the most common reasons a first visit gets missed.
If you do not have a driver, say so when you call. The front desk can tell you what the schedule looks like and whether an earlier or later opening fits better with the transportation you have. Ask about hours and how long a typical first visit takes so you can tell the person giving you a ride how much time to set aside.
Options worth a phone call
Start with people you already know. A relative, a coworker, a neighbor, or a friend who already drives through the area may be able to help once or twice. Tell them the appointment is for a crash-related exam, and ask whether they can wait or return for the trip home.
Rideshare services are another option. Check the estimated fare before you request the trip, because costs change with demand and distance, and a trip you did not plan for can strain a tight week. If your employer offers time off for medical appointments, ask your supervisor or human resources office how to request it. Some health plans also list transportation benefits. Read your plan materials or call the number on the card to find out whether any apply to you.
Plan the trip itself
Riding in a car, or waiting at a stop, can be harder on a sore body than people expect. Sitting for a long time may leave a joint stiff, and standing at a bus shelter or walking a long way from a parking spot can tire you before the exam starts. If you can, arrive a few minutes early so you can sit down, rest, and get your breath before you check in.
Pay attention to the trip, because it can be useful information. Notice how long you could sit in the passenger seat, whether the seat position felt comfortable, and whether getting in and out of the vehicle was easy or difficult. Write these notes down in your own words and bring them to the visit. The examiner can use them as part of your history, along with what you already know about your symptoms.
Bring the paperwork with you
If you are coming by a ride someone else is driving, make sure they know where the building entrance is, where parking is, and whether there is a drop-off area. Bring your appointment information, a list of the medicines you take, and any visit notes or scans you already have. Keep these items in one folder or bag so they are not left in the car while you are inside.
If the trip cannot wait
Most people can plan a ride within a few days. If you have severe symptoms, such as a new weakness, numbness, trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, do not wait for a ride to be arranged. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. A transportation problem should never delay emergency care.
If your symptoms are not severe but getting to the clinic is still difficult, call the front desk and explain the situation. Ask whether a later appointment is available that works better with your schedule, and ask whether any other option is open to you. Keeping the appointment, even if it moves by a day or two, is usually better than cancelling outright.
This article is general educational information about planning a visit after a crash. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a conversation with a licensed examiner about your own symptoms and needs.