Note: This article was originally posted in our July 2018 newsletter, and has not been updated.
Look for our new practice advisory section in upcoming newsletters, and write to our Practice Advisor if you have any unanswered questions. We will share advice and scenarios here going forward.
Managing Referrals to Other Health Care Providers
In the event a client requires a referral to another health care provider, a midwife’s duty does not end at making the referral. A midwife must follow-up in a timely manner to ensure that the other health care provider is in the process of arranging care for the client. For example, a midwife should follow-up with a provider’s office and the client to determine whether the client has been contacted and an appointment has been made. If it appears that the client will be unable to receive timely care from that health care provider, a midwife should explore other options that could either suffice in the interim or be a suitable alternative.
Relevant Professional Standards:
25 Establish and work within systems that are clear to clients whether you are a sole practitioner, part of a primary care team of midwives, or a member of an interprofessional care team by:
25.4 Ensuring that the results from all tests, treatments, consultations and referrals are followed-up and acted upon in a timely manner
27. Coordinate client care with other providers when an alternative to midwifery care is requested.