Interhospital Transfer (IMAGE) Medical University of South Carolina Caption About 1.6 million patients are transferred between hospitals each year, but the risk of death remains higher for transfer patients than for patients admitted locally via the emergency department. Credit Sarah Pack, Medical University of South Carolina Usage Restrictions May be used with appropriate credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.