Case Study: Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare achieves faster, safer patient care and referral growth with lifeIMAGE

Integrated access to external imaging improves patient care and supports referral expansion

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, an eight-hospital system in and around Memphis (including the Level I pediatric trauma center LeBonheur Children’s), faced limited capability to receive and view outside imaging—specialists had no central workflow for external exams and pediatric critical care was hindered by unavailable referral studies. To solve this gap, the system adopted the lifeIMAGE platform to connect referring hospitals, physicians and patients with MLH clinicians and integrate outside studies into their Cerner-based workflow.

lifeIMAGE enabled electronic transfer of outside studies, instant upload of CDs and viewing of external exams directly within Cerner PowerChart, eliminating repeated imaging and streamlining care. The vendor’s solution saved ED physicians an estimated 30–40 minutes to access outside images, increased physician satisfaction, enabled a life‑saving pre-arrival surgical decision, and made it easier to attract referrals—LeBonheur Children’s ER visits rose from about 70,000 to 90,000 in 2014—demonstrating measurable clinical and operational impact.

Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare

Crile Crisler

Administrative Director of Emergency Services