Referral Fee?
 

How often do you go to your general practitioner or dentist and then get referred to a specialist who provides a medical service and charges a rather hefty fee to do so? Do you ever wonder if the GP or dentist gets a referral fee? I do. I'm not necessarily saying its wrong, but it sure seems wrong, and it sure seems to happen a lot.:icon_wink::icon_wink:

I think there are a couple things going on......first, someone has to diagnose the issue and usually GP's know the limits of their skill sets so they will refer. Second, some insurance plans require a referral before you can go to a specialist. If your plan doesn't have that restriction you can self diagnose and go directly to specialist. My GP in PA got a $20.00 co pay and had to spend time doing the diagnostic thing, running the tests, research etc. Then he forwarded me and all his results to a specialist who claimed the big bucks. Based on revenue streams if a referral fee exists I'm not against it but it does seem that there are less doctors becoming GP's and more going into the specialty fields. The cost of a medical education is hard to recover in the GP ranks.

I believe most doctors refer you to people they feel are good at what they do...not for a fee which I'm sure would be illegal.

Well Spent
 

I honestly believe the referral money is well earned by both Dentist and Specialists. I just left the Dentist (Dr. Donald Lesh) at Southern Trace
and he was terrific. They are very professional and he was right on the mark
as a Dentist. If I needed treatment which he felt another Dr, (e.g. Oral Surgeon)
was better for that procedure I would welcome his advise and pay the fees.
Since I am on the subject, if you are looking for a good Dentist I would highly
recommend Dr. Lesh. and his staff.:bigbow:

Your question directly is asking if the generalist gets a kick back of some sort from the person to whom she refers. Absolutely not. It is illegal. Now they may send a thank you gift once a year like cookies at Xmas but no cash.

I have often wondered why my GP would refer me to a certain cardiologist. Is it because he or she is the best around, or they are drinking buddies?

Florida Statute 817.505 Florida Patient Brokering Statute
817.505 Patient brokering prohibited; exceptions; penalties.—
(1) It is unlawful for any person, including any health care provider or health care facility, to:
(a) Offer or pay any commission, bonus, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, to induce the referral of patients or patronage to or from a health care provider or health care facility;
(b) Solicit or receive any commission, bonus, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, in return for referring patients or patronage to or from a health care provider or health care facility;
(c) Solicit or receive any commission, bonus, rebate, kickback, or bribe, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, or engage in any split-fee arrangement, in any form whatsoever, in return for the acceptance or acknowledgment of treatment from a health care provider or health care facility;

I am not a lawyer, but I play one on ToTV.

If you have to wonder that I'd get a new GP who you would have the confidence in to be giving you the best advice.

I'm sure there are some who may do as you suggest. However in my experience they refer you to a physician whom they believe can best provide the care you need. When in this situation I always ask what they know about the physician, AND if they would go to the physician should they have the need. Then I go home and do as much research as I can about that doc - med school, training programs, licensure issues, medmal background, etc.

I've seen people on TOTV complain about physicians in this area but I must tell you we have some excellent physicians and excellent medical services in this area. Do your homework, and be your own advocate!

Well, there you go. Thanks.