A study of referrals from a family practice unit

In a study of all referrals originating from an urban family practice unit, a referral rate of 7.5% was found-somewhat higher than that seen in most other studies.In general, through all categories studied, no significant differences were found among three groups of physicians (first and second year residents, staff physicians) with the exception of referrals to allergy. Dermatology and allergy were most commonly referred to. This differed from other practices studied. Not surprisingly, 71.2% of the reasons given for referring a patient included help with diagnosis and/or therapy.In most cases the consultants and referring physicians were pleased with each other's general behavior. However, the referring physicians were seen as deficient in supplying pertinent details of their patients' history, physical and lab data. In almost one third of cases the referring physicians felt that they had learned nothing from the referral.The residents and staff physicians acted very similarly in almost all aspects of the referral process, reflecting positive and negative referral habits.