Question
Is there a simple way to get more referrals from Primary Care Physicians?
Answer
One way to get your name in front of physicians is by asking every patient for the name of their Primary Care Physician (PCP) and sending that physician a report with your patients' permission. Keep reports concise, no longer than one page including a copy of the audiogram with a summary of history, test results by diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Your contact information including your phone number and professional title and degree should be obvious on every report. In addition, if you see a patient with retrocochlear, vestibular, or other pathology that warrants medical referral, that presents an excellent opportunity to call that patient's physician. Physicians will typically either come to the phone or return calls promptly when they are told a professional or doctor (ie: Audiologist or Doctor of Audiology) is calling about one of their patients. Most PCPs like to remain in control of their patients' medical treatment and prefer you not refer their patients to another specialist without approval.
Kathy Foltner, AuD, is CEO of AuDNet, Inc. She also teaches courses in Practice Management and Basic Business at Rush University Medical Center and PCO. Dr. Foltner can be reached at kfoltner@aud-net.com or 312-593-1787.