PIH Health Offers Free Rides to Medical Appointments

Missing a doctor's appointment because you can't find a ride just became one less worry for thousands of Southern California residents.

PIH Health announced this week that patients can now get free transportation to and from appointments at PIH Whittier Hospital, PIH Health Downey Hospital, and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. The service also covers trips to related medical office buildings across the network.

The timing couldn't be better. Transportation challenges remain one of the top reasons people miss medical appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health conditions. For elderly patients, those without cars, or families juggling multiple jobs, getting to the doctor can feel impossible.

PIH Health didn't stop at basic care either. The hospital network recently earned Gold Plus recognition from the American Heart Association for exceptional stroke care at PIH Whittier. That means patients getting free rides are arriving at facilities recognized nationally for quality treatment.

The Ripple Effect

This move does more than help individual patients make their appointments. When people can access preventive care regularly, they avoid expensive emergency room visits later. That reduces strain on the entire healthcare system and keeps families healthier overall.

Communities benefit when hospitals remove barriers to care. Patients who attend regular checkups catch serious conditions earlier, when they're more treatable. Parents can bring kids to wellness visits without arranging complicated ride schedules. Seniors managing chronic conditions can maintain consistent treatment plans.

The program shows what's possible when healthcare systems think beyond just medical treatment. By addressing the practical obstacles that keep people from getting care, PIH Health is helping patients take control of their health journey.

One free ride might not sound revolutionary, but for someone who's been putting off that important checkup, it changes everything.