Case Study: Academic IDN achieves fewer avoidable patient transfers with Backline by DrFirst

IDNs reduce avoidable patient transfers through use of remote video consults with rural affiliates

Academic IDN, a major integrated delivery network, faced frequent, costly patient transfers from its regional affiliates driven by delays and fragmented specialist access. To reduce unnecessary transfers and improve timeliness of specialty input, Academic IDN implemented Backline by DrFirst’s secure clinical communications platform, using its text, voice and real‑time video consult capabilities to connect on‑call specialists with clinicians at regional hospitals.

Backline by DrFirst’s solution enabled face‑to‑face remote consultations on iOS, Android or web devices so specialists could review results, evaluate patients with the local team and jointly decide whether transfer was needed. As a result, the regional medical center avoided nearly 40 transfers in the first three months, lowering costs and patient disruption, preserving local reimbursements and improving clinician and patient experience.

Academic IDN