2. Referral System Is an organizational structure for coordinating, linking, & transferring responsibility of care May be done by: a generalist to a specialist a specialist to a specialist one hospital to another
3. Types of Referrals: Interval Referral: the patient is referred for complete care for a limited period Collateral Referral: the referring MD retains overall responsibility but refers patient for care of some specific problems
4. 3. Cross Referral: the patient is referred to another MD, once accepted, the referring MD has no more responsibility in patient care Transfer of service 4. Split Referral: the responsibility is divided between 2 or more MD’s
5. Responsibilities of the Referring MD: Informed consent: the purpose of the referral must be explained to the patient and agrees to it Selection of consultant: consultant referred must be equipped with adequate knowledge & skills Acceptance: necessary papers must be given to & accepted by the referred MD/hospital
6. 4. Task performance: the task required by the referral must be accomplished by the consultant 5. The referring MD must continue to interact with the consultant unless patient is transferred to their service 6. Feedback: the MD referred to, must give a reply to the referring MD & must send back the patient to the referring MD
7. Patient Referral Form include: General data Clinical abstract Diagnostic procedures done Assessment & reason for the referral
8. Reply Form include: Additional findings Diagnostic work up done with the results Final diagnosis Plan of management
