Functional, standardized referral pathways are crucial for patient outcomes, especially in vascular health. Highly integrated systems like the Mayo Clinic make it easy for primary care physicians to identify and refer patients to specialists, improving patient care. In contrast, unintegrated systems in rural areas rely more on personal relationships for referrals, potentially causing delays in care. Current referral pathways often lack real-time data on specialist quality, leading to anecdotal decisions. It is important for PCPs to use criteria to determine the right specialist for their patients, such as board certification. Improving referral pathways through increased speed, interoperability in EHRs, and minimizing prior authorization requirements can lead to better patient outcomes in vascular health.
Source link
How Good Referral Pathways Impact Vascular and Overall Health
