Your doctor may need the expertise of another physician to offer you appropriate care. Accordingly, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, oncologist, dermatologist, neurologist, etc.
So, when should such a referral happen?
When they know you need treatment they are unable to provide
Your doctor should refer you to a specialist when they notice you need treatment they cannot provide. For example, if, after examining your symptoms and diagnostic tests, your doctor suspects cancer, they should refer you to an oncologist for further tests.
If you have symptoms that could indicate a heart problem, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue and swelling, or risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, your doctor should refer you to a cardiologist, and so forth.
When you have a rare condition
If you are diagnosed with a rare condition, your doctor should refer you to a physician who specializes in that particular condition. This may also be necessary if you are diagnosed with a condition that’s complicated to treat, even though it’s not rare.
What about when you want a second opinion?
Whether or not your doctor has a duty to refer you to a specialist when you want a second opinion can be a complicated matter. According to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Code of Medical Ethics, you have the right to obtain a second opinion from another physician concerning your diagnosis or treatment. However, this may not mean your physician must first provide the referral. It’s crucial to obtain more information regarding this matter, as it can be easily misunderstood.
Your doctor failing to refer you on time or at all when needed may constitute medical malpractice if you suffered harm as a result. Learn more about the circumstances surrounding your case to know what to do.