Level 1 · Standard Care

Reliable rides for clients who can still walk.

For routine medical visits, lab work, follow-ups, and rehab — when the patient can walk with minimal help but shouldn't be driving themselves and doesn't have a family member who can take them. Comfortable, sanitized sedans and minivans with door-to-door service.

Fully LicensedTexas DSHS-compliant

On-Time Pickup10–15 min early, every time

$1M InsuredCommercial & auto liability

Trained DriversCPR, first aid, defensive driving

Why It Matters

The "easy" rides aren't always easy.

An ambulatory ride sounds simple — the patient can walk, they just need a lift. But missing a follow-up because you couldn't get there isn't simple. Asking your daughter to take a day off work every Tuesday isn't simple. And calling rideshare for a 78-year-old with a cane isn't a great answer either. That's exactly the gap Level 1 fills.

What's Included

Every Level 1 ride comes with these standards.

Clean, comfortable sedans & minivans

Sanitized between every passenger, climate-controlled, modern vehicles. Not a ratty ride-share — a professional medical transport experience.

Door-to-door pickup & dropoff

Driver knocks on the door, helps the client to the vehicle, and walks them to the clinic entrance — not just curb service.

10–15 minutes early, always

Our drivers arrive at the pickup point 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time. You're never wondering "did they forget us?"

Help with bags & canes

Pharmacy bags, paperwork, walking canes — our drivers help with all of it. The client isn't carrying anything they don't want to.

Family is welcome to ride along

One family member or caregiver rides at no additional charge. Helpful for orientation visits or anyone who wants company.

Recurring schedule lock-in

If it's weekly therapy or biweekly labs, set the schedule once and we hold the slot. Same driver when possible.

Who It's For

Ambulatory transport is the right fit when…

Seniors who no longer drive

Aging parents, grandparents, and family elders who've stopped driving but still have regular medical appointments to keep.

Routine follow-ups & labs

Quarterly cardiology check-ins, monthly diabetes labs, eye exams, dental visits, and other recurring outpatient care.

Outpatient rehab & PT

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and outpatient rehab programs — where the client is mobile but shouldn't drive themselves home.

Post-procedure recovery

Patients told not to drive after sedation — colonoscopies, dental procedures, cataract surgery, minor outpatient operations.

Patients without a car

Working-age adults managing chronic conditions who don't own a vehicle and need reliable transport for their treatment schedule.

Caregivers needing relief

Family members who've been doing all the driving themselves — and need a reliable, professional alternative once or twice a week.

A Real Houston Family

When transport just works.

"My dad's 81. He can walk, he just shouldn't be driving anymore. Astra picks him up every other Tuesday for his cardiology follow-ups, gets him there ten minutes early, walks him to the front desk, and texts me when he's safely back home. It's exactly what I needed and a fraction of the stress I had before."

Linda M. Daughter · Katy, TX

Honest Answers

Common questions about ambulatory transport.

"How is this different from Uber or Lyft?"

Three big differences. One: our drivers are trained, background-checked, CPR-certified, and HIPAA-aware — not random gig workers. Two: we're insured for medical transport, which rideshare explicitly isn't. Three: we provide door-to-door assistance — drivers come to the door, help with bags and canes, and walk the client into the clinic. Rideshare drops you at the curb and drives away.

"What's the cost compared to other levels?"

Ambulatory is our most affordable service. Local Houston-area trips typically run $35–$75 round-trip depending on distance. Recurring schedules and long-distance trips are flat-rated. Call dispatch with your specifics and we'll quote upfront — no surprise charges on the invoice.

"Does insurance pay for ambulatory transport?"

Sometimes. Texas Medicaid covers ambulatory NEMT through their broker network (MTM/Access2Care) for eligible appointments. Many Medicare Advantage plans now include a transportation benefit that covers ambulatory rides. Commercial insurance varies. Call dispatch with the patient's insurance and we'll verify coverage, typically within a business day.

"My dad uses a cane sometimes. Is he still ambulatory?"

Yes — using a cane or walker for balance is fine for Level 1 as long as he can transfer in and out of a sedan without significant assistance. If he needs a hand getting up from the chair or in/out of the vehicle, Level 2 (Wheelchair & Assisted Care) might be a better fit. When in doubt, ask dispatch — we'll recommend the right level.

"Can I book recurring weekly appointments?"

Absolutely — recurring schedules are how most of our long-term clients use Level 1. Set it up once (e.g., "every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 AM for the next 6 months") and we hold the slot. Same driver assigned whenever possible for continuity.

"What if my situation gets more complicated mid-appointment?"

It happens. If a client comes out of an appointment less mobile than expected — say, in a wheelchair from the clinic — our driver calls dispatch immediately. We either re-route a wheelchair van for the return trip or coordinate with the family. The client is never stranded.