How does an external referral typically occur?

An external referral typically occurs through various methods such as fax, phone, or a Patient Referral System (PPRS) from a provider outside of the institution, in this case, UTSW. This option reflects the standard practices in many healthcare environments where timely and efficient communication is necessary to ensure patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays. Using these methods allows for quick transmission of patient information, appointment details, and other crucial data to the specialist, facilitating smoother transitions of care.

Other choices provide limitations: in-person visits are not practical for all referrals, written letters may be too slow in urgent situations, and email may not always be secure or reliable compared to more established methods. Hence, the selected option represents the most commonly accepted and efficient approach to initiating external referrals in a healthcare setting.