If a same day referral cannot be scheduled, what should be done?

When a same-day referral cannot be scheduled, placing a manual phone call to the referring provider is the most effective course of action. This approach allows for direct communication to discuss alternative arrangements or next steps in real-time, which can help expedite the process and ensure that the patient's needs are being addressed promptly. It also provides an opportunity to clarify any details or concerns that either party may have regarding the referral.

Using email or MyChart to inform the patient may not provide immediate feedback or allow for a conversation about the issues at hand. Documenting the referral and leaving it unprocessed does not resolve the situation and can lead to delays in patient care, which is contrary to the goal of ensuring timely access to specialist services. Thus, the manual phone call to the referring provider effectively addresses the needs of the patient and enhances communication between care teams.