Medical Transportation for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in New Jersey

MS and the Challenge of Variable Mobility

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that creates unique transportation challenges. Unlike conditions with a predictable, linear progression, MS — particularly relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the most common form — is characterized by unpredictable relapses (exacerbations) and remissions. A patient who walked comfortably to appointments last month may be using a wheelchair during an acute relapse this month.

This variability means that MS patients and their caregivers need flexible NEMT providers who can accommodate a range of mobility levels and respond quickly when a patient's needs change. Delta Medical Transportation has the vehicle fleet and trained staff to serve MS patients at every mobility level — ambulatory with assist, rollator or cane, manual or power wheelchair. Contact us to discuss your situation, or see our service areas throughout New Jersey.

Medical Appointments Requiring Transportation for MS Patients

Neurology Appointments

MS patients typically see their neurologist every 3–6 months for disease monitoring and every 1–3 months during medication adjustments or relapses. These are often at specialized MS centers or academic medical centers.

Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) Infusions

Many MS patients receive disease-modifying therapies administered as intravenous infusions. These require regular trips to infusion centers and represent some of the most common transportation needs for MS patients:

• Ocrevus (ocrelizumab): Infusion every 6 months at an MS infusion center. Initial dose is split into two infusions 2 weeks apart. Each infusion session takes 3.5–4+ hours.
• Tysabri (natalizumab): Infusion every 4 weeks. Requires TOUCH program enrollment and JC virus monitoring.
• Lemtrada (alemtuzumab): Annual infusion courses (5 days in Year 1, 3 days in Year 2). Requires close monitoring during and after infusion.
• Kesimpta, Briumvi, Ublituximab: Subcutaneous or IV formulations with varying schedules.

Physical Therapy

PT is a cornerstone of MS management, helping patients maintain strength, balance, and walking function. MS patients may attend PT weekly or multiple times per week, particularly following a relapse.

Other Specialty Appointments

MS patients also commonly need transportation to occupational therapy, speech therapy, urology (bladder dysfunction is common in MS), ophthalmology (optic neuritis monitoring), and psychiatry or neuropsychology (cognitive and mood support).

MS Centers in New Jersey

Major MS care centers in New Jersey and nearby include:

• Holy Name Medical Center MS Center (Teaneck) — one of NJ's leading comprehensive MS programs
• Morristown Medical Center / Atlantic Health — Neurology MS program
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick) — MS neurology
• Hackensack University Medical Center — Neuroimmunology and MS
• Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (West Orange) — MS rehabilitation program

Delta Medical Transportation serves all of these destinations from throughout New Jersey. See our full service area.

Heat Sensitivity and Vehicle Climate Control

Uhthoff's phenomenon — temporary worsening of MS symptoms with increased body temperature — affects a majority of people with MS. Exposure to heat (hot weather, a warm vehicle, fever) can cause significant symptom exacerbation including increased weakness, vision blurring, and fatigue, even in patients whose MS is otherwise well-controlled.

For this reason, vehicle climate control is not optional for MS patients — it is medically important. Delta Medical Transportation vehicles are equipped with reliable air conditioning, and our drivers maintain cool cabin temperatures for MS patients, particularly during summer months. Inform our dispatcher of heat sensitivity when booking so we can take appropriate precautions.

Mobility Aids and What Delta Accommodates

MS patients use a wide range of mobility aids depending on their current functional level:

• Cane or walking stick: Standard vehicle with driver assist is appropriate
• Rollator (wheeled walker): Standard vehicle or wheelchair van depending on patient preference and stability
• Manual wheelchair: Wheelchair van with lift
• Power wheelchair or scooter: Wheelchair van with lift rated for power chair weight; scooter tie-down systems

When in doubt, our dispatchers can help determine the right vehicle type based on your description of your mobility level and equipment.

Fatigue Considerations

MS-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS. It can strike suddenly and severely, even on days when the patient seemed well. Delta Transportation drivers are trained to allow extra time for boarding and disembarking, to never rush an MS patient, and to provide unhurried, patient assistance throughout the trip.

Insurance Coverage for MS Transport in New Jersey

NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare)

MS patients enrolled in NJ FamilyCare are covered for NEMT to all medically necessary appointments. Pre-authorization through the MCO is required for most trips.

Medicare Advantage

Many Medicare Advantage plans available in New Jersey include NEMT as a supplemental benefit. This can cover trips to infusion centers, neurology appointments, and PT sessions. Confirm your specific plan's benefit with member services.