{"id":6050,"date":"2021-08-02T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T16:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=6050"},"modified":"2021-08-02T10:45:26","modified_gmt":"2021-08-02T16:45:26","slug":"when-and-how-to-refer-out-to-your-specialist-and-provider-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/when-and-how-to-refer-out-to-your-specialist-and-provider-network\/","title":{"rendered":"When and How to Refer Out to Your Specialist and Provider Network"},"content":{"rendered":"

Patient trust has portability. Sounds like a strange idea but it makes sense in the context of when a general dental practice should refer out.<\/p>\n

Patients trust your expertise. That\u2019s true even when that trust is transferred to your network of trusted specialists.<\/p>\n

Something more valuable than production?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s good to know that you can maintain patient trust without risking it out of a desire to produce dentistry. Patients rely on your scope of expertise.<\/p>\n

But, as you know, there are occasions when you hand-off what\u2019s in the best interest of their health to another\u2019s skills.<\/p>\n

The greater part of referring your patients is being intentional about building, widening, and deepening your referral pool. The quality of those relationships is good for your patient as well as helping you deal with the sense that you\u2019re giving up control of their case and outcomes.<\/p>\n

When to refer out is in direct connection with how you refer out<\/h2>\n

Again, referral relationships are built on a mutual trust in each other\u2019s expertise. You (the primary provider) will recognize when you\u2019re out-of-your-depth. This acknowledgement allows the provider to whom you refer the opportunity to provide treatment at less risk, cost, and time.<\/p>\n

Utilize timely communication solutions<\/h3>\n

Technology innovations improve communication between you and your referral relationships. Much of the improvement has to do with well-timed communication around a patient referral.<\/p>\n

Real-time, instant communication platforms like teledentistry and other virtual resources<\/a> or our Denticon external referral feature<\/a> allow you to make a fast and efficient referral connection.<\/p>\n

Referral colleagues also have the opportunity to review your patient\u2019s case, data, images, scans, etc., when it\u2019s convenient according to their production schedule.<\/p>\n

Either way, the common denominator is technology. Your patient, you, and your referral colleagues \u201cwin\u201d when it\u2019s used effectively.<\/p>\n

Rely on the wisdom and experience of your referral relationships<\/h3>\n

You trust them otherwise you wouldn\u2019t include them in your referral network. Your patient\u2019s information and related case images, etc. tell the \u201cstory.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allow the specialist to interpret the data you provide. Your input on next steps – while useful – should give latitude to the specialist\u2019s expertise.<\/p>\n

Clarify any communication breakdowns. These happen on occasion.<\/p>\n