Referral Strategy

As part of our efforts to bring UMMS' vision for its digital health platforms to fruition, we will be making our internal and external referral systems less cumbersome for patients. Specifically, we are working to eliminate inconsistencies in how we manage referral processes.

This will make it easier for physicians to help patients to access specialty care and consults.

Currently, we are not making new recommendations or implementing changes pertaining to who will be managing the referral process. Rather, we will first focus on leveraging our existing tools to standardize referral methods and keep better track of who is making and receiving referrals (especially with regard to patients referred outside of the UMMS system).

Internal Referrals

Our approach to optimizing the internal referrals process will consist of two phases:

Phase 1 (Focus on Existing Refuel Efforts)

• Standardize training and communication related to referral entry methods
• Review and standardize authorization statuses and reasons across the UMMS system
• Apply standard work queues and follow-up practices across the UMMS system
• Phase 2 planning

Phase 2 (Order-Based Referrals, Transitioning of All Referral Activities to Appointment Requests)

• Heavy lift
• Building and training efforts
• Assessment of operational complexities