The ability to quickly and securely bring together all providers involved to coordinate care is an urgent need within provider groups and health systems today. According to a study commissioned by Central Logic and the University of Utah the contribution margin per inpatient admitted through a hospital’s transfer center, it was found that each additional patient represents a contribution margin of nearly $11K. This can equate to multi-millions per year. Patient transfer is a quickly emerging segment of hospital operations.
As the study points out, though much opportunity for improvement in care and an increased revenue exists for healthcare systems in this area, some health systems are unable to leverage the growing need for highly advanced care. Instead, outdated technology and inefficient transfer protocols cost them millions of dollars each year in lost opportunity.
Here are a few strategies that can help your healthcare system improve the quality of care in patient transfers and take advantage of the significant opportunity increasing revenue:
Communication Tools are the Backbone of Patient Transfer
In a recent webinar, we polled attendees to learn more about the biggest communication challenges in supporting the efficient transfer of patients from one facility to another – 43% of attendees stated that an unreliable communications platform was their top concern. Without the ability for physicians, nurses and staff to dynamically communicate with each other, it is almost impossible for patient transfers to happen in a timely matter. Investing in a solid, cloud-based unified communications (UC) solution that allows for nimble communications involving multiple parties is the most critical aspect of ensuring successful patient transfer operations.
Take Patient Satisfaction Seriously
Healthcare systems can improve their patient transfer operations by working to enhance patient satisfaction levels. Although the patient experience is critical to any segment of the healthcare system, ensuring that patients are satisfied and receive quality care in a timely matter is especially important when it comes to patient transfer. When a patient referral is lost from a single patient due to an unsatisfactory experience with the organization, they also end up losing business from friends and family of that patient that they may have referred in the future. The trickle-down effect of unsatisfied patients can cost a healthcare system a significant amount in the long run.
Trust the Data
Now that many contact center staff are working remotely, it can be challenging to keep tabs on individual performance and daily activity. Utilizing a UC solution for patient transfer contact center operations can provide contact center management with the data they need to make staffing decisions to ensure that enough resources are available to provide an excellent patient experience during peak call times. By relying on real-time contact center data, organizations can not only provide better care and experience to patients, but also expand their ability to handle a greater number of patient transfers in any given time period.
Check out our recent webinar to learn from industry experts about lessons learned and best practices for enhancing your patient transfer operations and drive bottom line growth.
For more information about how we can help your healthcare organization improve patient access, contact us today.
