Referral of Patients
The WSMA supports the freedom of choice of physicians to refer their
patients to the physician practice or hospital that they think is most
able to provide the best medical care. (Res B-5, A-16)
The WSMA believes that a physician may refer a patient for diagnostic or
therapeutic services to another provider whenever they believe that this
may benefit the patient. As in the case of referrals to
physician-specialists, referrals to limited practitioners should be based
on their individual competence and ability to perform the services needed
by the patient. (JC 3.04-87) (Reaffirmed A-23)
Return to the WSMA Policy Compendium index
Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services