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Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients transferred to our institution between April 1, 2014 and March 1, 2016 for appendicitis, cholecystitis, and bowel obstruction. Descriptive statistics summarized our results.

Results

A total of 138 patients were transferred from 43 hospitals, and 97.1%(n= 136) were imaged prior to transfer. Transfer reasons varied, with the majority due to need for a surgeon (30.4%) or specialized services (20.3%). Of the 138 patients, 1.4%(n= 2) had documented surgeon contact. No patients underwent procedures at referring facilities, yet 60.6%(n= 83) underwent a procedure at the accepting hospital. The mean time between transfer request and arrival at our institution was lower for patients who subsequently underwent a procedure compared with those who did not (2.6±0.1 hours vs 4.5±0.6 hours, p< 0.05).

Conclusions

Access to care is a major contributor to interhospital transfers …