medical miles / tolls

[MoonView]

My wife has been moving between a hospital and a skilled nursing rehab facility because of a leg injury and respiratory problems.  I have traveled to be with her at the hospital and the nursing facility.  While in the nursing facility I have provided some care that the over worked/under staff personal could not handle.  Are my miles and tolls deductible medical transportation expense at least as respects the nursing facility?

[ToddL99]

Strictly speaking, the cost of your visits (mileage and tolls) would not be deductible medical expenses, even if you "pitched-in" to help an overworked staff.

From the  IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses : "You can include in medical expenses amounts paid for transportation primarily for, and essential to, medical care"

Your assistance, however much appreciated, was voluntary and not essential to the medical care of your wife.

The only exception would be for deducting  the "transportation expenses for regular visits to see a mentally ill dependent, if these visits are recommended as a part of treatment."

[MoonView]

Thank you for your response.  Not the answer I was hoping for but I appreciate your taking the time to respond.