Ask an NP – Referral Process

00:00 So the referral process as an NP is largely actually not really handled by you as an NP.

00:06 Most offices will have an MA or someone who's going to help coordinate those, you pretty much write it down in their chart, you'll document something about, "Hey, I'm going to send you to another level of care that's more specialized." You let the patient know that they should expect a phone call.

00:20 In however many days, usually, you'll either know from other people in your practice.

00:24 How long it will take for them to get back to you.

00:26 Or you can call the office that you're referring them to and say, "How long do you usually take to call them back?" And then you go and you tell your MA, "Hey, let's send them a referral to ortho and you just need to know which orthopedic office you're referring them to.

00:38 If you're completely unfamiliar, you're new to the area, and no one has recommendations, I would recommend just calling them stalking their reviews and asking your other patients honestly, like have you ever been to an orthopedist? Did you enjoy your experience there? Did you feel cared for? And always ask people when they come back to you, how did you feel the experience was, so that you know who in your network is going to be a good place to refer to and who isn't? But in terms of the nitty gritty of it, most of it isn't honestly handled by you.

01:04 It's something you can delegate to other people to make happen.