Getting a Referral
We are eager to get you to the best possible medical care for your needs. Sometimes this means seeing a specialist or outside services or tests. Often such visits require additional follow-up visits.
If your doctor suggests it or you request a referral, your primary care physician sends the referral electronically (for all members of Blue Advance, HMOI, Humana, and Unicare) to verify your benefits and to determine that you are being sent to someone participating in your insurance network wherever possible. This ensures that you receive the maximum benefits from your insurance. The referral will then be mailed directly to your house. Each referral is for a specific service and does NOT APPLY to any follow up visits, which must be obtained separately.
Visits or services without proper authorization will become your financial responsibility.
Please understand that this process takes time and is for your benefit. It is very important that you and your Specialist Physican give your Primary Care Physician as much notice as possible to prepare a referral. When a referral is requested without an appointment date, you will receive the referral as soon as possible. Requests with an appointment date will be processed first.
You should know that many insurance companies require 5 days notice for elective surgeries and will not accept retroactive activation.
Women may obtain routine care from a West Suburban Health Care Providers Obstetrician, Gynecologist, or Midwife without a referral. This routine care includes services provided by your OB/GYN in his or her office. Surgical care and hospital admissions always require coordination and authorization from your Primary Care Physician.
Requesting a Referral
To request a referral, contact our office at 708-628-0600. You will need to leave the following information:
- Your Name
- Your Contact Phone Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Appointment Date
- Your Primary Care Physician's Name
- What the Referral is For (e.g., the Specialist Doctor's name and the test or procedure).
You can also send us this request by fax at 708-628-0608 attn Tammy. For your convenience, you can complete this form (get Acrobat Reader here) and send it to us.
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