Patient Guide to Transportation to Medical Services Now Available

Pawtucket, Rhode Island - January 27, 2004 - In response to a growing number of inquiries from patients and healthcare providers, the Rhode Island Cancer Council has researched and printed Rhode Island Transportation Services: A Patient's Guide to Transportation to Medical Services.

"Based on the number of calls we were receiving, we determined there was a great need to compile this information for the citizens of Rhode Island. The hours of research work are time well spent to assist cancer patients in getting the care and treatment they need," says Arvin S. Glicksman, MD, executive director of the RI Cancer Council.

What the Transportation Guide covers

This comprehensive guide details information on:

• Transportation services run by the State of Rhode Island
  
• Specialty transportation available only to people with unique needs
  
• Regional/community transportation services managed locally
  
• Hospital transportation provided by hospitals for those using their services
  
• Additional services
  
  Patients can find out the following information:
  
• What areas they serve
  
• How to contact them
  
• How to qualify
  
• When are the services offered
  
• Cost of services, if any
  
• Schedules
  

In addition, the services are further categorized by county, city and town and the back of the book contains an alphabetical listing of services. The guide also offers tips, such as if door-to-door service is required. The patient must remember to request that and make sure the provider offers that service.

How to obtain the Patient's Guide to Transportation to Medical Services: The booklet is available free of charge by calling the Rhode Island Cancer Council at 401-728-4800 or toll free at 1-866-879-4100. You can also log on to www.ricancercouncil.org to view the transportation guide online.

The Rhode Island Cancer Council, established in 1999, is a state supported community program whose mission is to help lower cancer's toll in Rhode Island. Since our inception, we have helped thousands of Rhode Islanders find vital resources to deal with their cancer, learn what can be done to prevent cancer and ways to detect it early. RICAN provides public education programs, professional education and public information. Rhode Islanders in search of cancer information and resources may call us at 728-4800 or toll-free at 1-866-879-4100. All of our services are free.