Why the second eye matters here
Cataract surgery is normally done one eye at a time, which means two procedure days, two escorts, and two rides — and the second one usually falls while the first eye is still settling. We hold both dates at the same published rate, with the same driver where we can, and there is no premium for the repeat visit.
The requirement
The escort rule is federal and applies to any ambulatory surgery center: patients must be “discharged in the company of a responsible adult” (42 CFR §416.52). San Diego Outpatient Surgical Center in Kearny Mesa puts it in practical terms: “patients receiving anesthesia/sedation should not drive! Please make appropriate arrangements for a ride home and have a responsible adult present to accompany you (even if you are taking public transportation)” (source).
| Where the facility is | Round trip BMW i7 · 2 seats | Rivian R1S up to 4 | Escalade IQ-L up to 5 | One way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 — Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Kearny Mesa, Serra Mesa, Mission Valley, Downtown, Point Loma, National City | $120 | $160 | $200 | $65 |
| Zone 2 — La Jolla, UTC, Torrey Pines, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar | $150 | $190 | $230 | $80 |
| Zone 3 — Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe | $175 | $215 | $255 | $95 |
| Zone 4 — Escondido, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos | $250 | $290 | $330 | $115 |
The rate is per vehicle, not per person — your escort rides at no additional charge. The round trip is two scheduled legs: we take you in, and we come back for you when the unit calls. There is no hourly meter and no waiting charge.
The rate includes gratuity, tolls and waiting time. There is no tip line, no surge, no early-morning surcharge, no extra-passenger fee and no percentage service charge. The figure you are quoted before the procedure is the figure you pay after it.
What we are, and what we are not — read this before you book
We are a licensed passenger carrier, not a medical transport service. Elite Green Transportation holds California CPUC charter-party carrier permit TCP #0046494-A. We carry ambulatory passengers — people who can walk to the car and sit in an ordinary seat.
We cannot be your “responsible adult.” Federal law governing ambulatory surgery centers (42 CFR §416.52) requires the facility to “ensure all patients are discharged in the company of a responsible adult, except those patients exempted by the attending physician.” A paid driver does not satisfy that requirement, and we will never tell you otherwise. Euclid Endoscopy Center in San Diego states the rule about as plainly as it can be stated: a patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult “(not the taxi driver)” (source).
So here is the actual product: we drive you and the person taking care of you. Your escort still has to be there — but they no longer have to drive at 5 a.m., find parking at a medical campus, sit in a waiting room for three hours, and then drive home while keeping an eye on someone who is still coming out of sedation. That is the job we take off them.
What we do not do: we do not provide gurney or stretcher transport, we do not transport passengers who cannot transfer out of a wheelchair unaided, and we provide no medical care, monitoring or assistance of any kind en route. Those are separate, separately-licensed services — in California, ambulance, litter van and wheelchair van are the regulated categories (22 CCR §51323). If that is what you need, we will tell you so and we will not take the booking.
We do not bill insurance. This is a private-pay service. See the cost page for what is and is not covered.
Frequently asked
Can my driver be my responsible adult?
No. 42 CFR 416.52 requires the facility to discharge you in the company of a responsible adult, and a paid driver does not satisfy that. Euclid Endoscopy Center in San Diego says it outright: a responsible adult, "not the taxi driver." We drive you and your escort. We never claim to be the escort.
Does my escort cost extra?
No. The rate is per vehicle. Your escort rides free, both ways.
Do you charge for waiting?
No. Two scheduled legs, no hourly meter. We come back when the unit calls.
Will insurance cover it?
Almost certainly not. Medicare Part B covers ambulance only. Medi-Cal NEMT/NMT is for Medi-Cal members with a provider prescription. UC San Diego Health publishes the caveat itself: "not all forms of medical transport are covered by health plans."
What if I need a wheelchair or gurney?
Then we are the wrong service and we will say so. Those are separately licensed categories in California. We carry ambulatory passengers only.
Book the ride — tell us the facility and the time
We call you back to confirm. Prefer to skip the form? Call (858) 522-0264 or text us — an owner answers.