What should you verify before finalizing a referral?

Verifying insurance coverage and approval before finalizing a referral is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that the patient's insurance plan will cover the services or specialist they are being referred to. This is important to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for the patient, which can lead to dissatisfaction and potential non-compliance with follow-up care. If the specialist does not accept the patient's insurance, the referral may need to be adjusted to align with covered providers.

Additionally, confirming approval is necessary for certain procedures or specialist visits that require prior authorization from the insurance company. If authorization is not obtained, the insurance may deny payment, leaving the patient responsible for the bill. Thus, understanding the insurance coverage parameters helps to facilitate a smoother referral process and enhances the likelihood that the patient will receive the necessary care without financial barriers.