Can I take an Uber or taxi home after anesthesia or outpatient surgery?

Usually not by yourself. After general anesthesia or IV sedation, surgery centers in New York release patients only to a responsible adult, and a rideshare or taxi driver does not count as one. Many centers ask that someone also stays with you for the rest of the day.

Anesthesia can affect judgment, balance and reaction time for hours even when you feel normal, which is why the rule exists. Ask your center what they require before the procedure date, because some will reschedule if no escort is confirmed.

If you have no one to ask, a medical escort is exactly for this. A trained home health aide picks you up at home, rides with you by accessible vehicle or Uber, stays in the room through the visit, takes notes on what the doctor says, and brings you home and settled.

ProLife's medical escort is private pay: $32 an hour, or a flat $145–$250 for the whole visit (pickup, staying through the appointment, and the ride home). Medicaid and Medicare do not cover it. Prices can change; current rates: https://prolifehc.com/medical-escort/

Book as soon as you have the date, ideally 48–72 hours ahead; shorter notice is possible when someone is available. Call (718) 232-2777.