Interfacility Transfer (IFT)
BLS ambulance transfers between healthcare facilities across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Smooth handoffs, complete documentation, and crews matched to patient acuity.
What Is an Interfacility Transfer?
An interfacility transfer (IFT) is a medical transport between two healthcare facilities. This includes hospital-to-hospital, hospital-to-SNF, SNF-to-hospital, and facility-to-specialty center transfers that require ambulance-level care and monitoring during transit.
West Coast Ambulance coordinates with both sending and receiving teams to ensure seamless handoffs. Care notes are communicated to the receiving facility, and complete ePCR documentation accompanies every transport.
Our crews are matched to patient acuity, and all staff are employed under Medical Director oversight.
Transfer Types We Handle
- Hospital to hospital
- Hospital to skilled nursing facility
- SNF to hospital
- Facility to specialty center
- Crew matched to patient acuity level
- Full ePCR documentation every transfer
- Care notes communicated to receiving facility
Every Interfacility Transfer Includes
Coordination, documentation, and clinical care designed for smooth facility-to-facility handoffs.
Sending & Receiving Coordination
Our dispatch and crew coordinate directly with both facilities to ensure seamless pickup and delivery with no gaps in care.
Complete ePCR Documentation
Every transfer includes full electronic patient care reporting that travels with the patient to the receiving facility.
Crew Matched to Acuity
EMT, RN, or RT crews are assigned based on patient acuity to ensure the right level of care during transport.
Care Notes Handoff
Clinical care notes from the sending facility are communicated to the receiving team, maintaining continuity of care.
Patient Monitoring
Continuous monitoring during transit including vitals, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure as clinically indicated.
24/7 Availability
Our dispatch center operates around the clock. Schedule in advance or request immediate interfacility transport anytime.
Facilities That Rely on IFT
Interfacility transfers serve the full spectrum of healthcare settings across LA and Orange Counties.
Hospitals
Transfers to specialty centers, step-down units, and other acute care facilities.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
SNF-to-hospital and return transfers for residents needing acute or specialty care.
Rehab Centers
Transfers between rehabilitation facilities and hospitals or other care settings.
Specialty Clinics
Transfers to and from specialty clinics for procedures, consultations, or ongoing care.
What to Expect
You Request
Call 800-880-0556, submit online, or have your facility place the order with patient details.
We Confirm
Dispatch confirms the booking, assigns the right crew and vehicle, and provides an ETA.
Crew Arrives
Your assigned crew arrives at the pickup location, introduces themselves, and prepares the patient.
Safe Delivery
Patient is transported safely. Trip documentation and ePCR available for the sending facility.
"We transfer patients between three facilities regularly. WCA handles the coordination seamlessly — one call, one provider, every time."
Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most commercial insurance accepted. We verify coverage before transport — no surprise bills. Learn about insurance & billing →
Request an Interfacility Transfer
Available 24/7 across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Call dispatch or email us to arrange a facility-to-facility transfer.