Starting September 1, Ivinson Memorial Hospital will take on a new role in local healthcare, launching its own Interfacility Transfer (IFT) program to handle patient transfers between facilities. The City of Laramie will continue to operate its 911 emergency ambulance response, ensuring that both emergency and scheduled transport needs are met without interruption.
The change — first announced in January — comes after nearly a year of planning between Ivinson and the City. Leaders from both organizations say residents can expect a seamless transition, with no anticipated cost increases or disruptions to service.
How It Will Work
For emergencies, nothing changes. Residents will call 911 as usual, and the City of Laramie’s ambulance service will respond. Patients transported to the hospital in these situations will continue to receive a bill from the City.
What’s new is that patients who need to be transferred from Ivinson to another hospital, clinic, or nursing home will now be moved by Ivinson’s own IFT team. In those cases, billing will come directly from Ivinson. Billing for care provided in Ivinson’s Emergency Department will also remain with the hospital.
| Service | City of Laramie | Ivinson Memorial Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| 911 Emergency Response | ✔ | |
| Emergency Response Billing | ✔ | |
| Interfacility Transfers (IFT) | ✔ | |
| IFT Billing | ✔ | |
| Emergency Department Billing | ✔ |
A New Team, Ready to Roll
In preparation, Ivinson has assembled a dedicated Interfacility Transfer team made up of paramedics and EMTs, led by full-time clinical supervisor Brian Geer. The team will provide 24/7 coverage and assist in critical care areas such as the Emergency Department and ICU when not on transfers.
On day one, Ivinson will operate two fully equipped ambulances for transfers, expanding to three vehicles by spring — two brand-new Chevy 4500s and a backup Ford F450. All vehicles are fully licensed and stocked to operate as full ambulances.
Collaboration for the Community
Hospital CEO Doug Faus says the change is designed to streamline patient care.
“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,” Faus said. “If you call 911, Laramie Fire will still respond. The change is in how scheduled transfers are handled.”
Laramie Fire Chief Dan Johnson echoed the sentiment.
“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.”
A Smooth Transition Ahead
With final details being coordinated between the two organizations, the September 1 launch is set to mark a new chapter in local healthcare — one that leaders believe will strengthen both emergency response and patient transport capabilities for the Laramie community.