Because surgery is considered a specialty practice, we recommend you check with your insurance company to see if you need a referral to be seen by a surgeon. Many companies have strict policies related to tests, referrals and prior authorizations. If any of these items are out of place, it may delay progress with your care. If you need assistance with these items, please let us know.
Surgical referrals
All surgical referrals must come from your primary care physician, and they should complete a referral form. If our surgeon refers you, we will complete a referral form for you. Our surgeons will correspond with your primary care physician about your plan of care.
Referrals to another physician
If one of our surgeons recommends that you see another physician related to a different aspect of your care, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance company to see if you need another referral to the third physician or if the recommended referral physician participates in your insurance plan.
Referrals for medical tests
If necessary, our surgeons may arrange for you to have diagnostic tests, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, laboratory tests, ultrasounds and mammograms. If a test is recommended, we advise you to check with your insurance company to confirm if prior authorization is needed for the ordered test. If a referral is needed for testing, we can help get this done for you.
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.