What must be documented after contacting the patient about a referral?

Documenting all contact attempts in the referral notes is crucial because it maintains a comprehensive record of communication related to the referral process. This documentation ensures that there is clear evidence of the efforts made to reach out to the patient, which can be critical for follow-up and accountability. It helps healthcare providers track the progress of referrals, verify that patients have been informed, and identify any barriers that may exist in the communication process.

In addition, having detailed records of contact attempts is essential for compliance with healthcare regulations and standards. This documentation can assist in audits and enhance the overall quality of patient care by ensuring that all interactions are accounted for, providing a complete view of the patient's referral journey.

The other options focus on specific aspects of the referral process, such as patient feedback, the outcome of appointments, or referring provider details, which, while important, do not capture the comprehensive nature of all contact attempts like option B does. Each of those elements may be documented separately but may not provide the full picture regarding the attempts to communicate with the patient.