Ivinson and City Prepare To Launch Interfacility Transfer Service

This planned transition, first announced in January, is the result of nearly a year of coordinated planning and preparation by both Ivinson and the City of Laramie. Residents can expect a smooth transition with no anticipated increase in costs or disruption to service — ensuring continuity in healthcare delivery.

what’s new beginning september 1

Patients requiring emergency medical attention will call 911 as always. The City of Laramie will continue to operate their ambulance service and respond to emergency calls. Patients transported to the hospital by the City will now receive a bill from the city for this service.

When a patient at Ivinson needs to be transferred to another healthcare facility, Ivinson’s new Interfacility Transfer team will transport them. In these cases, patients will receive a bill from Ivinson for this service.

Billing for care received in Ivinson’s Emergency Department will continue to be managed by Ivinson.

As part of this transition, Ivinson and the City of Laramie will maintain distinct yet complementary services to ensure the community’s healthcare needs are met.

steady progress

Over the last eight months, department leaders and experts from across Ivinson have met weekly to track progress and ensure the hospital is fully prepared to take on IFT ambulance transfers on day one.

Ivinson has hired a full-time clinical supervisor, Brian Geer, to lead and work alongside members of the newly formed Interfacility Transfer department. The team, consisting of both paramedics and EMTs, will provide ²⁴⁄₇ coverage. When not on transfers, the team will assist with patient care in many of Ivinson’s critical care units including the Emergency Department and the ICU.

On launch day, Ivinson will have two dedicated ambulances to provide patient transfers from the hospital to other healthcare facilities and nursing homes. By spring, Ivinson’s ambulance fleet will expand from two to three vehicles, consisting of two, brand-new Chevy 4500s and a backup Ford F450 rig. The fleet is fully equipped, stocked and licensed to operate as full ambulances, giving Ivinson’s IFT team the tools they need to safely transport patients.

a concerted effort

Coordination between the City of Laramie and Ivinson Memorial Hospital remains a top priority as both teams finalize the details for the upcoming transition. This ongoing cooperation will ensure a seamless launch and uninterrupted healthcare services for Laramie residents.

“By taking on interfacility transfers, it allows us to improve coordination of care for patients while also helping ensure local emergency responders are available when they’re needed most,” said Ivinson CEO Doug Faus.

Over the past few months, Doug has fielded questions from community members and Ivinson staff who are curious about how this change impacts emergency services. ​“We want to be clear — if you call 911, Laramie Fire will still be the ones responding,” Faus said. ​“What’s changing is how scheduled transfers between hospitals are handled, and we’re pleased to provide that service for the community.”

The City of Laramie remains fully committed to providing reliable and efficient 911 emergency response services to our community. With the continued dedication of trained personnel and the ongoing development of resources, residents and visitors can count on swift and effective emergency care when they need it most.

“The City of Laramie is proud to collaborate with Ivinson Memorial Hospital in this important initiative, ensuring that our residents continue to receive the best care possible in both emergency and non-emergency situations,” said Dan Johnson, City of Laramie Fire Chief.