Which information is essential when completing a referral in Epic?

When completing a referral in Epic, having the patient's demographics and insurance information is essential. This information is vital for several reasons. First, the demographics ensure that the specialist receives accurate and complete patient identification details, which helps streamline the referral process and avoid confusion. This information typically includes the patient's name, date of birth, and contact details.

Second, the insurance information is critical to ensure that the referral is covered under the patient's health plan. Providers need to verify that the specialist they are referring the patient to accepts the patient's insurance type to prevent any financial burden on the patient due to unexpected costs. This accuracy is important for maintaining the efficiency of the referral process and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care without the risk of reimbursement issues.

While other pieces of information, such as the patient’s social history, provider performance, or specialist details, can enhance the referral's effectiveness, they are not fundamental requirements compared to demographics and insurance information.