In a recent op-ed published in Avia Marketplace, Dominique Wells, MSN, RN, chief operating officer at Conduit Health Partners, explores how health systems can unlock financial sustainability and operational efficiency by rethinking patient transfers.
An Overlooked Opportunity
With rising operational costs, shrinking reimbursements and workforce burnout at an all-time high, health systems are under growing pressure to do more with less. While many leaders focus on clinical workflows or revenue cycle enhancements, there’s a critical area that’s often overlooked: patient transfers.
The Cost of Inefficiency
Transfers may seem routine, but when mismanaged, they create costly ripple effects. Delays in care, lost in-network revenue, and unnecessary burdens on clinical teams can add up fast. In fact, nurses spend an average of 42 minutes coordinating a single transfer, time that could be spent at the bedside.
“When transfers are inefficient, it’s not just a clinical issue—it’s a financial one,” says Dominique Wells. “Every missed opportunity to keep a patient in-network is a missed opportunity to improve outcomes and strengthen sustainability.”
The Power of a Centralized Approach
Implementing a centralized Patient Transfer Center creates a more efficient, coordinated system for moving patients across facilities. It ensures patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time, while also freeing clinicians from time-consuming administrative tasks.
When outsourced, a Patient Transfer Center also brings the benefit of dedicated expertise, consistent execution and real-time data insights that drive smarter decision-making. This approach doesn’t just improve patient flow, it boosts staff satisfaction and system-wide performance.
Proven ROI
The numbers speak for themselves. A recent study by Eliciting Insights found that health systems partnering with Conduit Health Partners for transfer services achieved a nearly 3:1 return on investment, with even greater returns in specific service lines.
A Strategic Imperative
Given the challenges in health care today, optimizing patient transfers is more than a workflow improvement, it’s a strategic lever for growth, efficiency and financial health. Health systems that get it right will be better positioned to meet the demands of the future.
