The salutary effect of an integrated system on the rate of repeat CT scanning in transferred trauma patients: Improved costs and efficiencies

Background Duplication of Computed Tomography (CT) scanning in trauma patients has been a source of quality waste in healthcare and potential harm for patients. Integrated and regional health systems have been shown to promote opportunities for efficiencies, cost savings and increased safety. Methods This study evaluated traumatically injured patients who required transfer to a Level One Trauma Center (TC) from either within a vertically integrated healthcare system (IN) or from an out-of-network (OON) hospital. Results We found the rate of repeat CT scanning, radiology costs and total costs for day one of hospitalization to be significantly lower for trauma patients transferred from an IN hospital as compared to those patients transferred from OON hospitals. Conclusion The inefficiencies and waste often associated with transferred patients can be mitigated and strategies to do so are necessary to reduce costs in the current healthcare environment.