How do I get a referral?
To get a referral, please have the following information ready and call our office (option 4), we’ll be happy to prepare it for you. Name, address, telephone number, specialty of the doctor you want to see, the reason for your visit, and your insurance information. Please note that if your insurance information has changed, we cannot issue a referral until we have a copy of your new card.
How soon after my request will my referral be ready?
We ask that you give our office at least 2 business days’ notice. If you have provided us with the necessary information, your referral will be ready for you to pick up in 2 business days.
Can you fax/mail my referral?
In order to better serve those patients who have appointments, we do not fax referrals. Please stop by the office to pick it up or we will be happy to mail it to you.
I forgot to bring my referral to my specialist’s office. What do I do?
Generally, the specialist’s office will see you if you tell them you have one but have forgotten it. If that does not satisfy them, they can call us, and we can let them know one was issued and give them verbal authorization. You will still be responsible for getting that referral to them.
I have to see my specialist today for an emergency visit. What do I do if I need a referral?
We understand that emergencies do occur. Please call us as soon as possible to let us know of this emergency, make sure you have the necessary information for us to issue this referral and we will be happy to fax it to their office.
What if the doctor you referred me to does not take my insurance?
We will always give you the names of specialists we think can best serve your individual needs. It is the patient’s responsibility to find out whether or not they participate with your insurance plan. If they do not, you may call your insurance to find a specialist in your particular plan.
Please know your insurance guidelines and know that, if you have an HMO, you will more than likely require a referral anytime you see a physician outside of our office. If you see a specialist without a referral, we will not back date the referral as it goes against our insurance contracts and you may be financially responsible for that visit. Also, if you arrive at your specialist’s office without a referral, they may ask you to reschedule. Please plan ahead and make sure you have the necessary referral to avoid any problems.