JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- With a single phone call, providers can arrange for military beneficiaries to be transferred from a civilian medical facility to San Antonio Military Medical Center for care.
Brooke Army Medical Center's Patient Transfer Service offers patients no-charge, door-to-door ambulance service with a streamlined admissions process, explained Capt. Austin Willis, chief of patient accountability. The service supports all local hospitals and urgent care centers in the greater San Antonio area.
"Our aim is to connect beneficiaries of all ages back into the military support network so we can provide the best quality and continuity of care," Willis said.
Coordination starts with a civilian or military provider's call to the Patient Transfer Service at 210-539-2222. During the call, the Patient Administration Division Admissions and Dispositions office will provide information, determine patient eligibility, and ensure the hospital has available space and services to conduct the transfer.
They're able to coordinate timely door-to-door ambulance transfers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Willis noted.
"Once a link is established to accept and transfer patients, a smooth transfer can be expedited," he said. "Most transfers are executed within 60 minutes of initial contact."
PAD is currently averaging about 40 patient transfers a month with the majority being from emergency rooms and urgent care centers, Willis said.
Providers and patients both have requested transfers to BAMC, he noted, "which speaks volumes to our excellence in healthcare.
"They get to be here with their provider, their team," he added, "and be a part of military environment that gives them a sense of community, security and peace of mind."
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