Sample Referral Letter From Doctor To Doctor
[Doctor's Name]
[Doctor's Title]
[Medical Practice/Hospital Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Doctor's Name]
[Recipient Doctor's Title]
[Recipient Medical Practice/Hospital Name]
[Recipient Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Dr. [Recipient Doctor's Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to refer my patient, [Patient's Full Name], for your expert medical care and consultation. I believe that your specialized expertise and experience will greatly benefit this patient's ongoing healthcare journey.
Patient Information:
- Name: [Patient's Full Name]
- Date of Birth: [Patient's DOB]
- Gender: [Patient's Gender]
- Diagnosis: [Patient's Diagnosis]
- Medical History: [Brief summary of relevant medical history]
- Current Medications: [List of current medications]
Reason for Referral:
[Provide a detailed explanation of the reason for the referral, including any specific concerns, symptoms, or conditions that warrant the consultation.]
I am confident that your thorough evaluation and comprehensive approach to patient care will contribute significantly to the management and treatment of [Patient's Full Name]'s condition. Your expertise in [Recipient Doctor's Area of Specialization] will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and guidance in optimizing the patient's health and well-being.
I kindly request that you keep me informed about the patient's assessment, treatment plan, and progress. Collaboration and open communication between our medical practices are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome for [Patient's Full Name].
Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any additional information or if you would like to discuss this case further.
Thank you for your dedication to providing exceptional patient care. I greatly appreciate your assistance and expertise in managing this complex medical situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Title]
[Medical Practice/Hospital Name]
[Contact Information]
Enclosure: [Include any relevant medical reports, test results, or documents]
Note: This sample referral letter is a template. Please personalize and modify it according to your specific needs and preferences. Include any necessary patient information, medical history, and diagnosis details to ensure a comprehensive referral process.
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Referral for Specialist Consultation Letter
Subject: Referral for Specialist Consultation
Dear Dr. [Specialist Name],
I am referring my patient, [Patient Name], for your specialized assessment regarding [condition/complaint]. The patient has a history of [brief medical history] and has not responded adequately to initial treatments.
Enclosed are relevant medical records and lab results. I would appreciate your expert evaluation and recommendations for ongoing care.
Please provide feedback on your findings at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Dr. [Your Name]
Urgent Referral for Immediate Attention Letter
Subject: Urgent Referral for Immediate Attention
Dear Dr. [Specialist Name],
I am referring [Patient Name], who requires urgent assessment for [serious condition]. The patient has presented with [symptoms], and prompt evaluation is critical to ensure proper care.
Attached are all current reports and imaging. Please prioritize this referral and notify me once the patient has been assessed.
Thank you for your urgent attention.
Best regards,
Dr. [Your Name]
Referral for Routine Check-up or Second Opinion Letter
Subject: Referral for Routine Check-up / Second Opinion
Dear Dr. [Specialist Name],
I am referring [Patient Name] for a routine evaluation regarding [medical concern]. The patient has expressed interest in obtaining a second opinion to ensure comprehensive care.
Please review the attached records and advise on any further diagnostic steps or management plans.
Thank you for your collaboration.
Sincerely,
Dr. [Your Name]
Provisional Referral Letter for Diagnostic Tests
Subject: Referral for Diagnostic Assessment
Dear Dr. [Specialist Name],
I am referring [Patient Name] for further diagnostic testing related to [condition/symptom]. Preliminary evaluations suggest [findings], and your expertise in [specialty] is requested to clarify the diagnosis.
Attached are current reports and imaging results. Your assessment and recommendations will guide further treatment.
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Dr. [Your Name]
Heartfelt Referral Letter for Chronic Condition Management
Subject: Referral for Chronic Condition Management
Dear Dr. [Specialist Name],
I am referring my patient, [Patient Name], for specialized management of [chronic condition]. The patient has been struggling with [symptoms] despite ongoing therapy.
I value your expertise and compassion in managing complex cases. Enclosed are detailed records and previous treatment history for your review.
Thank you for taking over the care of this patient.
Warm regards,
Dr. [Your Name]
Informal Referral Email for Minor Consultation
Subject: Quick Referral for Consultation
Hi Dr. [Specialist Name],
I wanted to refer [Patient Name] to you for a quick consult regarding [minor issue]. Nothing urgent, but your input would be valuable to ensure the best course of action.
I've attached recent lab results and notes. Please let me know your availability.
Thanks,
Dr. [Your Name]
Formal Referral for Surgical Evaluation Letter
Subject: Referral for Surgical Evaluation
Dear Dr. [Surgeon Name],
I am referring [Patient Name] for surgical evaluation concerning [condition requiring surgery]. Previous medical management has been insufficient, and expert surgical input is now warranted.
Attached are relevant imaging and clinical notes. Your assessment and surgical recommendations are highly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dr. [Your Name]
What is a Doctor-to-Doctor Referral Letter and Why It’s Used
A doctor-to-doctor referral letter is a formal communication sent from one physician to another to facilitate patient care.
- Purpose:
- Ensure patients receive specialized care
- Provide comprehensive medical history to the receiving doctor
- Facilitate coordination between healthcare providers
- Serves as an official record of referral and care transfer
Who Should Send a Referral Letter
- Primary care physicians referring patients to specialists
- General practitioners referring for diagnostic assessments
- Physicians requesting second opinions or specialist advice
- Surgeons coordinating pre- or post-operative care
Whom the Referral Letter Should Be Addressed To
- Specialists in relevant medical fields (cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, etc.)
- Surgeons for operative evaluation
- Diagnostic centers for complex testing
- Other healthcare providers involved in patient care
When to Send a Referral Letter
- New medical concerns requiring specialist evaluation
- Chronic conditions not responding to initial treatment
- Urgent cases requiring immediate attention
- Routine follow-up or second opinion requests
- Pre-surgical and post-surgical coordination
How to Write and Send a Referral Letter
- Begin with a clear subject line describing the referral purpose
- Provide a concise summary of the patient's history and current condition
- Attach relevant lab results, imaging, and previous reports
- Specify the reason for referral and requested assessment
- Choose the appropriate mode: formal letter for official records, email for quick consultations
- Ensure polite and professional tone
Requirements and Prerequisites Before Sending
- Complete and up-to-date patient records
- Accurate patient contact information
- Relevant test results and imaging reports
- Informed patient consent for referral and data sharing
- Clear indication of referral urgency
Formatting Guidelines for Referral Letters
- Length: typically 1 page, 1–2 pages for complex cases
- Tone: formal and professional; informal tone may be used for minor consultations
- Structure: subject line, greeting, patient summary, reason for referral, attachments, closing
- Mode: printed letter or secure email
- Etiquette: respect the receiving physician’s time and expertise
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting important patient history
- Failing to include attachments such as lab results or imaging
- Using vague language regarding referral reason
- Not indicating urgency or priority level
- Sending to the wrong specialist or department
Elements and Structure of a Referral Letter
- Subject line describing referral purpose
- Greeting and direct address to the receiving doctor
- Patient identification and brief medical history
- Current symptoms or condition prompting referral
- Requested action or specialist evaluation
- List of attachments (lab results, imaging, previous reports)
- Closing statement and signature
- Optional: request for feedback or follow-up
After Sending a Referral Letter
- Confirm receipt with the receiving doctor or office
- Monitor patient progress and follow-up appointments
- Update patient records with specialist feedback
- Maintain communication for ongoing care coordination
Tips and Best Practices
- Always provide complete and concise patient history
- Use clear and professional language
- Include all relevant attachments in organized order
- Indicate urgency clearly if necessary
- Keep a copy for your records and patient file
Compare and Contrast with Other Communication Methods
- Email vs. printed letter:
- Email allows faster communication but may be less formal
- Printed letters are official records suitable for long-term documentation
- Referral vs. verbal recommendation:
- Written referral provides documented history and clarity
- Verbal recommendation is faster but may result in missing details
- Direct specialist call vs. referral letter:
- Calls are immediate but do not leave a formal record
- Letters ensure full patient history is communicated and traceable
