What term describes a referral allowing a patient to consult a specialist?

The term that describes a referral allowing a patient to consult a specialist is "referral." In medical coding and billing, a referral is a formal request made by a primary care provider for a patient to see a specialist for further evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of a specific health issue. This process is often crucial for ensuring that patients receive the specialized care they need while also guiding the payment and insurance claims process.

When patients require the expertise of a specialist, it is standard practice for the referring physician to document and communicate this need clearly, often through a referral form. This not only facilitates access to the appropriate healthcare provider but also ensures that the services provided are covered by the patient’s insurance, as many plans require referrals for specialist consultations.

Other terms like "pretest," "consultation notice," and "authorization request" do not specifically indicate the process of directing a patient to a specialized care provider. A pretest generally refers to assessments conducted before a procedure, a consultation notice is not a widely recognized term in this context, and an authorization request might refer to a request for insurance coverage but does not specifically designate a referral to a specialist.