Referral
A note from one clinician to another that you need specialty care.
A referral describes your problem, what's already been tried, and what you're being sent for. Some insurance plans (HMOs) require an in-network referral before a specialist visit will be covered; PPOs usually don't.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026