Professional Communication Flashcards
What are the most common reasons for referral
- sx eval of cataract
- initial eval for glaucoma (in some states)
- sx treatment for glaucoma cases
- central corneal ulcers
- retinal detachment and other retinal pathology
- eval of patients with elevated blood pressure (internists) or suspicion of other systemic disease
What are the 3 different types of clinical support
- consultation
- referral
- co-management
Occurs when a doctor sends a patient to another professional for a specific test or a second opinion, but the initial doctor usually remains in charge of the continuing care
Consultation
Usually made when the dx/treatment is out of scope of optometry or interprofessional (OD to OD) referral for an area of experience of expertise
Referrals
When more than one clinician are brought together to provide care by working together as a team
Co-management
When referring, a doctor must
- make the appointment
- inform the patient about the appointments time and location
- make sure the clinic takes pts insurance
- should proved adequate background info about the pt, a description of services needed
When referring a patient to another provider
Expectations and respective responsibilities must be clear or all parties involved: the referring doctor, the second doctor, and the patient
How to prepare the patient for the referral
- usually anxious
- educate them on why they are being referred and what they should expect/whether they should return to you for follow up
Emergency referrals
- reserve emergency referrals for real emergency cases
- it is necessary to establish a relationship with specialists in the area
Written professional communication
- when writing a referral letter be concise with pt info, findings relative to Dx. Leave treatment decision to the healthcare provider you are referring to
- be concise but precise
- not the time to impress the other dr
- only provide relevant tests
- do not brag
When responding to the referring doctor
- if pt referred to you by another OD or another health care professional, keep in mind: they expect feedback, also expect a response letter or phone call back from you once you have examined the patient
- feedback is usually in the written form
- feedback is also required for meaningful use of electronic medical records
- thank dr for referrals
When responding to referring doctor
- thank the initial doctor for the referrals
- use appropriate and professional language
- avoid jargon and terms hat are not shared by other professionals in other speciality
