Need a wheelchair asap but insurance doesn't care for timeframes

I’m 23, My injured partner is 26.

We are in Virginia.

My partner got in an accident and broke both ankles. Since one was only a hairline fracture, they sent him home with crutches, but he hasn’t been able to use them, and he’s just been getting around on an office chair. Since the crash was on Saturday, we haven’t been able to contact insurance until today about getting a wheelchair. The follow-up Ortho appointment is tomorrow, and insurance just keeps saying they need time to tell us where we can get one. It’s looking like we won’t get a wheelchair by the appointment, so hopefully, the Ortho will have a wheelchair, or I will be bringing him to his appointment on an office chair.

I don’t know if we’re missing other places to contact. The ER didn’t know where to send us and said to wait until Monday to call insurance, and insurance doesn’t know either. I don’t know what they expect or who to ask about this. I don’t want to have to buy a wheelchair outright, and I haven’t been able to find any medical resupply stores in my area.

Goodwills/thrift stores usually have many wheelchairs.

Zola said:
Goodwills/thrift stores usually have many wheelchairs.

Came here just to say this. If one thrift store doesn’t have it, go to the next. If that doesn’t work out, Facebook Marketplace!

Zola said:
Goodwills/thrift stores usually have many wheelchairs.

Ok, I will try to check some today after work.

Rowan said:

Zola said:
Goodwills/thrift stores usually have many wheelchairs.

Ok, I will try to check some today after work.

Or check with a nursing home if there is one near you. They might let you borrow one while you figure it out. At the place where my father was, they had like 9 of them clogging up the storage room. People die and leave them behind, I guess. If you happen to know anyone working in that kind of place or assisted living place, they might be able to help you out temporarily.

An ortho office will have a wheelchair to get him out of the car. Might even give you a loaner.

Ask on NextDoor. One of your neighbors might have a wheelchair that’s not being used that they can loan you.

Ode said:
Ask on NextDoor. One of your neighbors might have a wheelchair that’s not being used that they can loan you.

That’s a great idea.

Ode said:
Ask on NextDoor. One of your neighbors might have a wheelchair that’s not being used that they can loan you.

Buy Nothing group on Facebook too.

Some places rent wheelchairs.

Check your local Lions Club. Many have loaner medical equipment.

Facebook! I’m serious. Ask your town’s giving page or mom page.

Amazon.

Dana said:
Amazon.com: Drive Medical Blue Streak Lightweight Wheelchair with Swing-Away Footrests and Flip-Back Arms, Portable Folding Wheelchair for Adults and Seniors, 18 Inch Seat : Health & Household

Amazon.

Checked Amazon, even if I ordered the day of the accident, the fastest would have been here Wednesday, or around the time we probably won’t need it anymore.

Is the doctor’s office in a hospital? They will have wheelchairs.

If it’s not in a hospital, call the office and ask. If they don’t have one, they will probably know where to get one.

Niko said:
Is the doctor’s office in a hospital? They will have wheelchairs.

If it’s not in a hospital, call the office and ask. If they don’t have one, they will probably know where to get one.

It is not in a hospital from what I saw. I don’t know for sure because I was at work while he was making the appointments.

@Rowan
Google the address or the doctor’s name.

Definitely check local thrift stores. The one near me almost always has at least one.

Call your local pharmacy and see if they rent wheelchairs. I am in a small town and 2 of our pharmacies do rentals.

Rezz said:
Call your local pharmacy and see if they rent wheelchairs. I am in a small town and 2 of our pharmacies do rentals.

Yeah, OP check medical supply stores.