2. APPLICABILITY:

2.1. This policy applies to all physicians involved in case management for Team One Medical Transportation, including interactions with referring hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in Riyadh and surrounding areas.

3. DEFINITIONS:
  • 3.1. Case Management Physician: A licensed physician responsible for the clinical oversight of patient transport cases.
  • 3.2. Endorsing Facility: Hospital or healthcare provider referring the patient for transport.
  • 3.3. Medical Endorsement: The formal confirmation that the patient's condition is suitable for the requested transport.
  • 3.4. Operational Endorsement: Confirmation that logistical, equipment, and staffing resources are available for safe transport.
4. POLICY:

4.1. All patient transport cases must be medically reviewed and operationally endorsed by a Case Management Physician before acceptance to ensure patient safety, regulatory compliance, and service quality.

5. PROCEDURE:
5.1. Case Review

5.1.1. Upon receiving a transport request, the Case Management Physician must:

  • 5.1.1.1. Review the patient's clinical summary, diagnosis, and current status.
  • 5.1.1.2. Evaluate any special requirements (e.g., ventilators, isolation protocols, critical care support).
  • 5.1.1.3. Identify any contraindications for transport.
5.2. Medical Acceptance

5.2.1. The physician must determine if the patient's condition is medically stable enough for transport.

  • 5.2.1.1. If needed, the physician may request additional clinical information or direct communication with the attending physician at the referring facility.

5.2.2. If the case is accepted:

  • 5.2.2.1. Document the acceptance in the case management system.
  • 5.2.2.2. Specify any clinical requirements for transport (e.g., advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring).
5.3. Operational Endorsement

5.3.1. Coordinate with the operations team to:

  • 5.3.1.1. Confirm ambulance availability and appropriate staffing (e.g., ALS, BLS, ICU transport team).
  • 5.3.1.2. Verify equipment availability (e.g., ventilators, medication, specialized stretchers).
  • 5.3.1.3. If operational criteria are met, endorse the transport operationally.
5.4. Hospital Endorsement

5.4.1. Communicate with the referring hospital:

  • 5.4.1.1. Confirm the hospital's approval and ensure all necessary documentation (referral forms, transfer summaries) are complete.
  • 5.4.1.2. Obtain verbal and/or written endorsement for transport.
  • 5.4.1.3. Clarify special instructions from the hospital, if any.
5.5. Documentation

5.5.1. All steps of the case acceptance process must be documented clearly in the Team One Case Management System, including:

  • 5.5.1.1. Medical approval timestamp
  • 5.5.1.2. Operational endorsement confirmation
  • 5.5.1.3. Hospital endorsement (name of referring doctor/nurse, time, method of confirmation)
6. RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • 6.1. Case Management Physician: Medical and operational review and endorsement of cases.
  • 6.2. Case Coordinators/Dispatch: Support the physician by gathering necessary information and updating transport status.
  • 6.3. Operations Supervisor: Ensure operational readiness and communicate any limitations.
7. APPENDICES:
  • 7.1. Patient Transfer Request Form
  • 7.2. Medical Transport Checklist
  • 7.3. Case Management Record Form
8. REFERENCES:
  • 8.1. JCI
  • 8.2. CBAHI
9. DEVELOPMENT TEAM:
  • 9.1. Physician, Case Management
  • 9.2. Manager, EMS
  • 9.3. Quality team
Approval