Consultation and referral in a Vermont family practice: a study of utilization, specialty distribution, and outcome

Referral patterns and outcome were studied in an ambulatory family practice facility. One hundred eight referrals were initiated and studied during a period when 7,220 patients were seen--a 1.5 percent referral rate. Satisfactory outcomes occurred in 67 of the cases. Changing patterns of health care delivery may require new definitions of the consulation-referral process.