What does a "Pending Referral" status indicate in Epic?

A "Pending Referral" status in Epic indicates that the referral process has been initiated but has not yet been completed or processed further. This status signifies that the necessary steps to finalize the referral have not been taken, meaning that it is still in the queue waiting for the next action, which could include processing by administrative staff or review by a healthcare provider.

Understanding the context of a pending status is critical in healthcare management, as it allows providers to track referrals and follow up appropriately, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care in a timely manner. This status helps to maintain workflow efficiency and communication within the healthcare system.

In contrast, if a referral is marked as completed, that indicates all necessary steps were taken, which is not the case with a pending referral. Similarly, a status of awaiting patient confirmation relates to the need for the patient to agree to the referral, which is not included in the pending status. Lastly, if a referral has been declined by the receiving provider, it indicates a decision has been made against the referral, which again does not apply to a pending referral situation that is still waiting on further action.