Why Cancer Patients Need Specialized Transportation
Cancer treatment is physically and emotionally demanding. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause side effects including severe fatigue, nausea, dizziness, weakened immune systems, and cognitive changes that make driving unsafe. Many cancer patients undergo treatment for weeks or months, requiring dozens of trips to treatment facilities. Reliable transportation is not a luxury — it is a critical component of treatment adherence.
Research from the American Cancer Society has consistently shown that transportation barriers lead to missed treatments, delayed care, and poorer outcomes for cancer patients. In the Chicago metro area, patients may travel 20 to 40 miles to reach specialized cancer centers like Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Loyola Medicine Cancer Center, or UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. Without dependable transport, these distances become insurmountable.
Dream Care Rides serves cancer patients with the understanding that every ride matters. A missed chemotherapy session disrupts treatment protocols. A late arrival to radiation therapy can cascade through the treatment center's schedule. Our standing-order program for cancer patients ensures that every treatment day has a confirmed ride with a consistent, compassionate driver who understands the patient's routine and needs.
Important
Cancer patients with compromised immune systems should inform their NEMT provider so appropriate vehicle sanitation protocols are followed. Dream Care Rides maintains clean vehicles and can arrange additional sanitization upon request.
Treatment Types We Serve
Chemotherapy Infusion
Transport to and from chemo infusion sessions that typically last 2 to 6 hours. Will-call returns accommodate variable treatment durations. Standing orders for every chemo cycle.
Radiation Therapy
Daily rides for radiation treatment plans lasting 5 to 7 weeks. Sessions are usually 15 to 30 minutes, making scheduling predictable. Consistent driver for every session.
Surgical Oncology
Pre-surgery appointments, day-of transport, and post-surgical follow-up visits. Wheelchair and stretcher options available for post-operative recovery periods.
Oncology Check-ups
Regular oncology appointments, blood work, imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), and survivorship visits. Ambulatory transport is typically sufficient for routine check-ups.
Clinical Trials
Specialized transport to clinical trial sites across Chicago. Flexible scheduling for the unpredictable nature of trial visit calendars.
Palliative & Supportive Care
Rides to palliative care appointments, pain management sessions, and supportive oncology services. Compassionate drivers trained in end-of-life care sensitivity.
Standing Orders for Cancer Treatment Schedules
Cancer treatment follows structured schedules: chemotherapy cycles every 2 to 3 weeks, daily radiation for 5 to 7 weeks, or weekly immunotherapy sessions. Our standing-order program automatically schedules every ride on your treatment calendar. You provide your oncologist's treatment plan dates and times, and we build a complete transportation schedule around it.
Benefits of standing orders for cancer patients include a consistent assigned driver who learns your routine and preferences, automatic scheduling that eliminates the burden of booking each ride, will-call returns that accommodate variable treatment durations, the ability to pause rides for hospital admissions or treatment breaks, and standing-order discounts of up to 15 percent for consistent recurring schedules.
To set up a standing order, call (708) 505-6994 or book online. Provide your treatment schedule, and our team will have your rides confirmed within 24 hours.
Set Up Your Cancer Treatment Rides
Standing orders with consistent drivers. We make sure you never miss a treatment.
Vehicle Options for Cancer Patients
Ambulatory (Sedan/SUV)
Best for patients who can walk before and after treatment. Comfortable sedans with climate control and smooth rides. Most cancer patients use ambulatory transport for the majority of their treatment schedule. Starting at $35 — $65 base.
Wheelchair Van
For patients who use a wheelchair or experience severe post-treatment fatigue. ADA-compliant vans with lifts and securement. Some patients switch between ambulatory and wheelchair transport depending on how they feel on a given day. Starting at $75 — $95 base.
Stretcher Transport
For patients who need to travel in a reclined position. Used primarily for hospital discharges after cancer surgery, transfers between oncology facilities, or for patients with severe treatment reactions. Two trained attendants included. Starting at $150 — $250 base.
Chicago Cancer Centers We Serve
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern Medicine, 675 N St. Clair St, Chicago
UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago
Loyola Medicine Cancer Center
Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood
Rush University Cancer Center
1725 W Harrison St, Chicago
Advocate Christ Cancer Center
4440 W 95th St, Oak Lawn
Amita Health Cancer Institute
Multiple Chicagoland locations
We also serve community oncology practices, infusion centers, and radiation therapy facilities throughout the six-county Chicago metro area. View our Chicago coverage area.
Pricing and Payment Options
Cancer treatment transportation follows our standard NEMT rate structure. Ambulatory rides start at $35 to $65 base fare plus $2 to $4 per mile. Wheelchair transport starts at $75 to $95 base plus $4 to $6 per mile. Standing-order discounts of up to 15 percent apply to consistent recurring schedules. Illinois Medicaid covers cancer treatment NEMT for eligible beneficiaries at no out-of-pocket cost. Private-pay patients can pay via credit card, debit, or ACH. Contact us at (708) 505-6994 for a personalized quote based on your treatment schedule and locations.
Many cancer support organizations offer transportation assistance grants. The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program and local Chicago-area nonprofits may help offset transportation costs for eligible patients.
Get a Quote for Cancer Treatment Rides
Share your treatment schedule and we will provide an accurate price for your entire course of treatment.
Olusegun Otse
Founder & CEO, Dream Care Rides | NPI #1033989991
Olusegun Otse leads Dream Care Rides with a commitment to compassionate, on-time medical transportation for every patient, including those facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chemotherapy transportation is one of our core services. We provide ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transport to chemotherapy infusion centers throughout the Chicago metro area. Our drivers are trained to assist patients who may experience nausea, fatigue, and weakness during and after treatment. Standing orders are available for recurring chemo schedules, ensuring consistent driver assignment and on-time arrival for every session.
Absolutely. Radiation therapy often requires daily treatments for 5 to 7 weeks. Our standing-order program is designed for exactly this type of intensive schedule. You provide your treatment days and times, and we automatically schedule every ride with a consistent assigned driver. Adjustments to the schedule can be made with 24 hours notice. This eliminates the burden of booking each ride individually during an already difficult time.
If you anticipate significant post-treatment symptoms, you can request wheelchair transport even if you normally use ambulatory service. Our wheelchair vans allow patients to remain seated in a comfortable, supported position during the ride home. For patients who need to recline, our stretcher vehicles with the Broda Traversa chair offer adjustable tilt-and-recline positioning for maximum comfort during post-chemo transport.
Yes, Illinois Medicaid covers NEMT for cancer treatment appointments for eligible beneficiaries. This includes transportation to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and follow-up visits. Rides are coordinated through your managed care organization's transportation broker. Dream Care Rides is credentialed with all major Illinois Medicaid MCOs. Private-pay patients can also book directly for greater scheduling flexibility.
All Dream Care Rides drivers receive training in compassionate patient care, including awareness of common cancer treatment side effects. They understand that patients may be immunocompromised and take precautions accordingly, including maintaining clean vehicles, minimizing unnecessary stops, and providing gentle physical assistance. Our drivers are background-checked, drug-tested, and HIPAA-compliant.
Yes, a caregiver, family member, or companion can ride along at no additional charge. Many cancer patients bring a companion for emotional support, to take notes during oncology appointments, or to provide assistance after treatment. Let us know when booking so we assign a vehicle with appropriate seating for both the patient and companion.
For recurring treatment schedules (chemo or radiation), we recommend setting up a standing order at least one week before your first session. This gives us time to assign a consistent driver and verify your route. For individual appointments, booking 48 hours in advance is ideal. Same-day ambulatory bookings may be available depending on fleet capacity.
Yes, we transport patients to clinical trial appointments at every major Chicago cancer center. Clinical trial schedules can be complex and unpredictable, so we offer flexible scheduling options including will-call returns and same-day adjustments. If your clinical trial requires frequent visits over an extended period, our standing-order program ensures consistent, reliable transportation throughout the trial duration.
Last updated: March 23, 2026. This page is reviewed and updated quarterly.