Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Med Flight Air Ambulance offer?

Med Flight Air Ambulance provides critical care air medical transport throughout New Mexico, the Southwest, and nationwide, offering safe, bedside-to-bedside facility transfers for medically complex and high-acuity patients. With over 40 years of experience, our CAMTS-accredited flight team supports hospitals, case managers, and families with ICU-level monitoring, advanced ventilator support, cardiac drips, and specialized transport capabilities. We also provide Behavioral Health and Psychiatric Patient Air Transport from Albuquerque to Las Cruces, frequently coordinating transfers to facilities such as Peak Behavioral Health Services and Mesilla Valley Hospital when a higher or more appropriate level of care is needed. Whether the transfer is medical, cardiac, transplant-related, neonatal, or psychiatric, Med Flight delivers rapid, secure, and professionally managed air ambulance solutions designed to protect patient safety and continuity of care.

What insurances companies or payers Does Med Flight accept?

Med Flight Air Ambulance is contracted with and accepts most major insurance providers, including but not limited to:

  • Cigna

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Presbyterian Healthcare Service

  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

  • Molina

Our team works directly with case managers, hospitals, and families to verify benefits, coordinate authorizations when required, and help navigate the insurance process prior to transport. If you have questions about a specific plan, our dispatch or billing department can assist with coverage verification.

How do I get started setting up a transport for my patient or family member?

The fastest and most efficient way to begin arranging an air medical transport with Med Flight Air Ambulance is to call our dispatch center directly. Our communications team is available to gather key clinical details, confirm receiving facility acceptance, and initiate coordination with other medical teams immediately.

After the initial call, we typically request that the referring facility fax an updated patient face sheet or intake form that includes patient demographics and insurance payer information. This allows our team to verify coverage, complete medical review, and streamline bedside-to-bedside transport arrangements as quickly as possible.

What type of Aircraft Does Med Flight Air Ambulance Utilize and Why?

Med Flight operates the Learjet 35A, a high-performance jet aircraft capable of flying higher and faster than most turboprop aircraft such as the Beechcraft King Air commonly used in regional medical transport. The Learjet cruises at approximately 450–470 knots (500+ mph) and can operate at altitudes up to 45,000 feet, compared to the slower cruise speeds and lower operating altitudes typical of turboprop aircraft.

Flying higher often means smoother conditions above weather systems and more direct routing, while increased speed can significantly reduce total transport time — especially for longer regional or cross-country missions. For critical care patients, shorter flight times and stable cabin environments can support safer, more efficient bedside-to-bedside transfers.

While both aircraft types are safe and certified for medical transport, Med Flight chooses the Learjet platform to provide faster response capability, greater range, and high-altitude performance for patients across New Mexico, the Southwest, and nationwide.