A government agency in Chicago, IL is seeking a qualified vendor to provide an advanced automated referral system designed to enhance productivity and streamline the referral process for hospital discharge staff. The system will connect hospital personnel with a variety of care providers, including skilled nursing facilities, long term acute care hospitals, home health care agencies, hospice providers, rehabilitation agencies, and durable medical equipment agencies. Communication will occur via the internet, utilizing secure, real-time tools to support efficient transitions of care.

Key system requirements include the centralization of all types of referrals—such as DME, SNF, HH, IPR, LTACH, and transportation—on a single digital platform. The solution must eliminate the need for phone calls, external emails, and faxes by supporting electronic reservation of patient placements and allowing providers to electronically accept referrals. Automated notifications are required to confirm receipt and acceptance of referrals, and the system should feature the capacity to upload patient medical records, conduct nationwide provider searches by location, and facilitate selection based on service needs and provider utilization data. No subscription fees should be charged to participating providers.

Additionally, the platform must include a timing mechanism to ensure providers respond to referrals within a specified window, and the capability to manage ambulance and transportation referrals. The agency anticipates a four-year contract period for this engagement.