MedCall Transfer Services and Outpatient Referrals

Inpatient Transfers

One of the primary functions of UPMC MedCall is to enable the complex process of transferring patients to any UPMC facility. UPMC MedCall should be used for all transfers: emergent, urgent, and nonurgent. The service can be accessed by means of a single contact resulting in the efficient, systematic handling of all aspects of the transfer. MedCall representatives use the same procedure regardless of which UPMC facility is involved in a transfer.

This minimizes the caller’s effort and maximizes the information returned to the physician.

MedCall representatives are sensitive to time constraints and individual situations and preferences.

MedCall representatives can:

• Facilitate direct provider-to-provider communication
• Secure an admitting reservation at the receiving facility
• Arrange for medical transportation
• File a nursing report
• Monitor the progress of a transfer
• Notify appropriate parties of a change in status
• Link to the automated information feedback system
• Arrange for teleconferences involving receiving and referring physicians
• Identify the primary care provider

Outpatient Referrals

UPMC MedCall helps secure medical appointments, and its representatives can speak with a physician to arrange an outpatient referral to a UPMC physician. Most of the time, a request for a specialist is a request for a specialist in Pittsburgh, where MedCall staff facilitates communication with the appropriate contact.

A new pilot program under way is developing the ability of MedCall staff to make outpatient appointments directly, by accessing the electronic calendars of physicians. Such a capability will allow 24-hour scheduling.