Referral and Consultation in Emergency Medicine Practice |
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| Authors: | Andrew T. Guertler MD Jeffrey M. Cortazzo MD Matthew M. Rice MD JD |
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| Affiliation: | University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville Division of Emergency Medicine;St: Francis Community Hospital, Federal Way, Washington Department of Emergency Medicine;Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington Department of Emergency Medicine |
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| Abstract: | Since emergency physicians (EPs) frequently initiate referrals and consultations, accept patients in referral, and may provide consultation services, it is imperative that EPs fully understand these processes. Such an understanding improves communication and facilitates professional interactions and patient care. There is little published information concerning the significance and practice of referrals and consultations as they pertain to the EP. This article addresses referrals and consultations in relation to EPs. Specific recommendations are made for consultation initiation and execution. The dynamics and ethical/legal issues associated with initiating and accepting referrals and consultations are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | referral consult consultation emergency department administration legal |
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