Written by Reed Tinsley |
September 29, 2005
From the Group Practice Solutions newsletter (www.hcpromarketplace.com):
The distinction between a request for a consultation and a referral seems straightforward at first glance. A consultation occurs when a physician gives an opinion/advice about a patient's care at the request of another physician or appropriate source. For a referral, a physician transfers a patient's care to the receiving physician. Doctors should bill for referral encounters as (lower-paying) regular office visits, not as consultations.
About the Author
Reed Tinsley CPA
This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on
accounting & tax,
practice management, and
financial planning.
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