Transfer Centers Becoming the Hub of Patient Flow

At our annual Patient Transfer Summit this year, I introduced the concept of the transfer center as the hub of the patient flow process. This is a trend I am seeing more and more across the country, and the consensus of various panels and committees at the conference only confirmed this movement.

It is a natural growth process for both transfer centers and also for the unique people that run them. Transfer centers are born from a variety of origins including the ED, transport, nursing and physician leadership, marketing, and many more. The patient transfer effort is a mission critical, generally “high-profile” effort that not only improves patient care, but also generates revenue from day one.
Generally, the successes of the transfer center, coupled with the “take charge” nature of transfer center directors lead to a growth process that often brings elements such as transport, bed control, discharge planning, and patient placement all under the same umbrella.

Can the transfer center be successful without “owning” these operations? Absolutely- and they are. Over time these other components, first seen as ancillary, have grown to become complementary, necessary, and finally – integral.

As I have consulted with transfer centers coast to coast, in various stages of development, I have seen this process repeatedly, as well as several multi-disciplinary models that include case management, outreach, quality, and medical staff participation. This exploration process of identifying current strengths, critical needs, and upcoming steps to achieve success is one of the more gratifying aspects of working with Central Logic clients.