When referring a patient to a specialist, be cognizant of the consultative process:
- Whenever possible speak personally with the consultant, before the patient is seen, especially in “urgent” situations.
- Avoid leaving a request for a consult with an answering service; however, if absolutely necessary, be sure to follow up to ensure consultation request was received.
- Explain to the patient why the consult is being requested and document this discussion in the medical record.
- Develop a standardized format for ordering consults. Information should be provided, as to:
· Relevant patient history, including working diagnosis, what tests/diagnostic studies have been performed and current medications.
· The type of consultation being requested, such as whether the request is for:
Ø Consult for opinion only
Ø Consult and recommend treatment
Ø Consult and treat specific problem
Ø Consult and assume total care of patient
· The urgency of the consult, such as:
Ø Urgent; consultation needed immediately
Ø Not urgent; please see patient within ______hours/days
- If ordering a consult on a hospitalized patient, provide complete information on the consultation order forms, per hospital policy.
- The written request for a consultation, and the reason for the consult, should be documented in the requesting physician’s plan of care.
- Whenever possible, speak with the consultant after the patient is seen. Carefully read the consultant’s written report to assure that all of the information assumed in the consulting physician’s diagnosis/impression is accurate. Leave nothing to chance.