What is a referral?

Jim Summers

PubMed · 16095071

What is a referral?

Abstract

Obtaining a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist is a common experience among patients. Differing definitions of what it means to "have a referral, "however, can lead to gaps between the service provided by the specialist and the expectations of the patients. Empirical research illustrates these varying definitions of "having a referral" among potential patients. The extent of confusion among a presumably educated sample of the patient population suggests that medical group managers should conduct a marketing audit of their policies and procedures to ensure that gaps in service delivery are removed.

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Appointments and Schedules Comprehension Health Services Accessibility Humans Medicine Patient Satisfaction Physician-Patient Relations Physicians, Family Referral and Consultation Specialization United States Journal Article

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Jim Summers. What is a referral?. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16095071/

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