A medical doctor or healthcare provider who directs a patient to another specialist, facility, or healthcare service for further diagnosis, treatment, or consultation.

Care Continuum:

The coordinated and seamless delivery of healthcare services across various providers and settings, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of patient care.

Referral Loop:

The ongoing cycle of communication and collaboration between referring physicians and specialists, ensuring a smooth transition of patient care.

Consultation Request:

A formal communication from a referring physician to a specialist, seeking expertise or advice on a specific medical condition or treatment plan for a shared patient.

Referral Management System:

A technological platform or software that facilitates the efficient tracking, communication, and management of patient referrals between healthcare providers.

Referral Coordinator:

A healthcare professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the referral process, ensuring timely appointments and communication between referring physicians and specialists.

Cross-Referral:

The practice of mutual referrals between healthcare providers, fostering a collaborative network to address the diverse needs of patients.

Referral Guidelines:

Established criteria or protocols that guide referring physicians in determining when to refer a patient to a specialist based on the complexity of the medical condition.

E-Consultation:

The use of electronic communication tools, such as secure messaging or telemedicine, for referring physicians to consult with specialists remotely without the need for an in-person visit.

Referral Letter:

A formal document from a referring physician to a specialist, providing relevant patient information, medical history, and the reason for the referral.

Patient Handoff:

The transfer of responsibility and information from the referring physician to the specialist, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition and needs.

Referral Network:

A structured system of collaboration and communication among healthcare providers, facilitating efficient and effective referrals for comprehensive patient care.

Primary Care Physician (PCP):

The healthcare provider who serves as the main point of contact for a patient and often initiates referrals to specialists based on the patient’s medical needs.

Referral Leakage:

Instances where patients seek care outside of the referred network, potentially leading to gaps in communication and coordination among healthcare providers.

Referral Patterns:

Trends and tendencies observed in the way referring physicians direct patients to specific specialists or healthcare facilities over time.

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH):

A healthcare model that emphasizes comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care, often involving a primary care physician who coordinates referrals and care plans.