In plain English
This is an official request about a patient's care. One healthcare professional, often a primary care doctor, asks for the patient to be seen by a specialist.
In context
Here, "referral" names the formal request from a healthcare professional, usually a primary care doctor, for the patient to receive care from a specialist.
- Situation
- Booking appointments, checking in, joining waitlists, and handling referrals
- What it communicates
- names the referral item mentioned in booking instructions
Meaning limits
The term itself does not identify a particular specialist.
Examples
“After examining her knee, the family doctor wrote a referral for her to see a specialist.”
“The specialist's office called to confirm that the referral had arrived.”