b. Medical Regulating. This is a system for coordinating and controlling the
movement of patients through the various levels of health service support. It is designed to
ensure the timely and efficient evacuation of patients to medical treatment facilities which
are best capable of providing the necessary treatment and having the required number of
beds available. Medical regulating is effectively accomplished when it functions at the
same headquarters which controls the evacuation means and the destination MTF. A
responsive communication system expedites the receipt of mission requests and the
issuance of mission assignments.
3-4.
REASONS FOR EVACUATION OR TRANSFERRING PATIENTS
There are several reasons for moving patients from one MTF to another once the
patient is under medical control. For the most part, these reasons fall into one or more of
the following general categories:
a. Medical. Since all uniformed service hospitals are not identical in capabilities
and facilities, a MTF may find it necessary to transfer a patient to another MTF that has the
capability to provide the necessary treatment. The determination to move a patient for
medical reasons is made by the attending physician with the approval of the hospital
commander.
b. Administrative. Even though a MTF may have the capability to provide the
care a patient requires, sometimes the patient may need to be transferred for the benefit of
the government rather than for purely medical reasons. The member who is being
considered for separation or retirement due to his medical condition is a good example.
When the patient is in a inpatient status, it may be necessary to transfer the patient to a
MTF nearest the Physical Evaluation Board. Prior to moving a patient for purely
administrative reasons, the hospital must obtain approval from the Health Services
Command.
c. Compassionate/Personal. Transfers for compassionate or personal reasons
are normally patient generated. For example, the soldier who incurs an injury or disease
requiring an extended period of hospitalization may be transferred. Disregarding the fact
that the MTF in which he is hospitalized has the capability to provide the necessary
treatment and there is no basis for an administrative move, the patient could be transferred
to a location near his home if the physician feels it is in the best interest of the patient.
Approval for a compassionate or personal transfer must be obtained from Medical
Command prior to transfer.
MD0752
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