Patient referral is a vital process in healthcare that ensures individuals receive the most appropriate and specialized care for their medical needs. It involves directing a patient from one healthcare provider, facility, or level of care to another, based on the diagnosis, treatment requirements, or the need for advanced expertise and resources.
Referrals may be made for various reasons, including specialized medical evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, or rehabilitation services. For example, a general practitioner may refer a patient to a neurologist for suspected neurological disorders or to a rehabilitation center for post-surgical recovery.