That’s a pretty stark contrast from the patient who was simply discharged and left to find his own way through the local healthcare jungle.
The evolving model of systemwide communications and resource management
Today’s typical transfer centers tend to focus on high-acuity cases. But just as we’re going to see a shift from fee-for-service to value-based payment models, the role of the clinically-staffed transfer center will broaden and expand to become a critical function for keeping patients well and making decisions with visibility to patients about what in-network facilities are available to them. I hear this eventuality called many things including command centers, cognitive hospitals, healthcare without walls. Even with consistent language, the definitions are inconsistent. One company will call a simple co-location strategy a command center, where another refers to an integrated model where actionable data drives decision-making.
Organizations that embrace this model will experience less leakage of patients and of revenue, no matter the types of contracts they have in place with payers. They’ll also likely see an uptick in patient satisfaction. After all, of the two patients described above, which one do you think is more satisfied with their experience? I’d be willing to bet it’s the one who received the right help at the right time every step of the way.
About the author: Angie Franks is the president and CEO of Central Logic, a leading innovator in transfer center software solutions. She has more than 25 years of technology leadership experience. Her areas of healthcare information technology expertise include clinical and financial information systems, enterprise resource planning, telemedicine and Software-as-a-Service solutions.
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