There may be times when you need the services of a specialist. unless your insurance plan allows you to access specialty care without a referral, the referral process for you will begin in this office. When medically necessary, we will refer you to a specialist whom we believe will best fit your needs.

When you are referred, the number of visits is specified and further visits will require additional referrals. Managed care policies do not permit us to write retroactive referrals. Retroactive referrals are considered fraud. A retroactive referral is a referral that is done after the fact. For example, if you see a specialist on Monday and then call us on Wednesday because you just realized that you needed a referral for that visit that already happened - it is too late. We must do the referral PRIOR to any appointment.

Due to the growing complexity of referrals, we need time to do the necessary paperwork and make the phone calls. To ensure a smooth transition from our office to the specialists office, please give us a week's notice when at all possible to get your referral in order.

The referral process is a reality. While it is oftentimes confusing to our patients and time consuming for us, it is an inherent part of health care today. Each insurance company has different rules governing who can go where, for what, etc. Reading your Insurance Benefits information from the insurance company you choose to be covered by will really help you. Your knowledge of your insurance plan can be very valuable in making sure you get all the benefits due you (after all, you are paying the premium).