What is a referral?

Obtaining a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist is a common experience among patients. Differing definitions of what it means to "have a referral, "however, can lead to gaps between the service provided by the specialist and the expectations of the patients. Empirical research illustrates these varying definitions of "having a referral" among potential patients. The extent of confusion among a presumably educated sample of the patient population suggests that medical group managers should conduct a marketing audit of their policies and procedures to ensure that gaps in service delivery are removed.