What can happen if there is a lack of communication between referring and receiving providers?

A lack of communication between referring and receiving providers can significantly impact patient care by causing delays or misunderstandings. When information about a patient's condition, treatment history, or needs is not effectively shared, it can result in the receiving provider being unaware of critical details required to treat the patient adequately. This communication gap can lead to delays in treatment as the receiving provider may have to reach out for additional information, or it might even cause misinterpretations that could affect the diagnosis or care plan. Ensuring open and clear lines of communication helps create a cohesive healthcare team that can provide timely and appropriate care to patients.