NE Referrals

Any referral order is routed to the In-basket of the Northeast referrals team who will either schedule the appointment or have the specialty clinic schedule the appointment. If our referrals team schedules the appointment, they send a letter to the patient with the appointment date and time and a number to call if they need to change it. If the specialty department schedules the appointment, they call the patient directly. Patients should hear back about an appointment within 2 weeks.

Colonoscopies

Order “performed by Digestive Health Center” for Unity insurance and “performed Outside UW” for all other insurances. The digestive health center manages all colonoscopy scheduling (Northeast Clinic staff doesn’t see the orders).

Imaging

Imaging orders/referrals are all managed by the Northeast Clinic radiology team and referral team.

Mental health services

Unfortunately, it is not possible to refer for mental health services (psychology and psychiatry). Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to see which mental health professionals are covered. There is also a helpful sheet in the exam room drawers that outlines which mental health providers are covered based on insurance. Route patients to the referral clerk for information regarding mental health referrals.

Sleep study

Order a sleep study in Epic. Some form may need to be completed by the patient – referral staff will assist the patient.

Northeast Referrals Pearls

• If the referral is needed STAT, indicate so in the order and preferably talk to Isis or Dawn.

• Comments, comments, comments: the more the better.

• If the patient prefers a specific provider, get the full name.