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• A written order from your primary care doctor for you to see a specialist or get certain medical services. In many Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), you need to get a referral before you can get medical care from anyone except your primary care doctor. If you don’t get a referral first, the plan may not pay for the services.

  U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Cite This Source - This Definition
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  Cite Definition for Referral

  American Psychological Association (APA)

  Referral. (n.d.). HealthCare.gov Glossary. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from website: http://www.expertglossary.com/definition/referral.

  Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

  Referral. HealthCare.gov Glossary. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. http://www.expertglossary.com/definition/referral (accessed: February 8, 2023).

  Modern Language Association (MLA)

  "Referral." HealthCare.gov Glossary. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 8 February. 2023 http://www.expertglossary.com/definition/referral.

• Browse Related Terms: Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan, Health Maintenance Organization, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), In-Network provider, Managed Care, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Select Plans, Out-of-network provider, Point of Service (POS) Plans, Point-of-Service Plan (POS), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Primary Care Physician (PCP), Referral, Third-Party Payer

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