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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Rehabilitation Planning and Records

Referral

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/rɪˈfɜːrəl/nounCore term

In physiotherapy, referral means: A formal request from one health professional asking another service or specialist to see and treat a patient.

In Turkish: sevk, yönlendirme

How it is used

Patients come to physiotherapy through a referral from a GP, surgeon or consultant, and in some countries they can self-refer. Physiotherapists receive, prioritise and accept referrals, and also make onward referrals, for example back to a doctor if there are red flags. The verb is refer.

Example sentences

  1. We received a referral from the orthopaedic surgeon for post-operative knee rehab.

  2. I made a referral back to the GP because of her night pain.

Common collocations

  • make a referral
  • receive a referral
  • self-referral
  • referral letter
  • onward referral
  • dischargeThe end of a patient's care, when they leave hospital or finish a course of physiotherapy because their goals are met or treatment is no longer needed.
  • red flagsSigns or symptoms that suggest a possibly serious medical problem, such as cancer, infection, fracture or nerve compression, which needs urgent medical review.
  • physiotherapyA health profession that treats injury, illness and disability with movement, exercise, hands-on techniques and advice, to help people move and function as well as possible.
  • treatment planThe agreed set of treatments, goals and timescales for a patient, based on the findings of the assessment.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Rehabilitation Planning and Records

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.