Referral management is the process of managing and communicating patient referrals between healthcare providers, such as your family physician and any specialists that you may need to see. This process ensures that referrals and all information related to them are sent in a consistent and efficient manner.

Referral Coordinators are a valuable part of your family doctor’s team. They work with primary care providers and their staff to ensure patients move through the system as seamlessly as possible, and provide an important communications link.

The referral coordination team will:

• • Ensure complete referral packages are sent to the specialist including appropriate forms and investigations.
  • Use a confidential electronic medical record to track referrals to ensure specialist acceptance, confirm wait times and ensure appointments are scheduled.
  • Provide information to the patient and referring physician on the referral process and status as needed.
  • Maintain a specialist list to track their referral requirements, locations and contact information.

Many SASPCN family physicians utilize the Referral Coordination program.