Who primarily utilizes the tracking functionalities of referrals in Epic?

The tracking functionalities of referrals in Epic are primarily utilized by internal staff, such as healthcare professionals and administrative personnel within a healthcare organization. These features are designed to help them monitor the status of referrals, manage the workflow associated with patient care, and ensure that patients receive timely follow-up from specialists or other services.

Internal staff must keep track of referrals to coordinate care effectively, manage appointments, and maintain communication with patients and referred-to providers. The tracking functionality allows these staff members to visualize the referral process, identify any delays, and address potential issues to enhance patient outcomes.

In contrast, while patients may benefit from being informed about their referrals, they do not engage with the tracking functionalities in the same capacity as internal staff. Health insurance companies focus more on claims processing and eligibility verification, and external vendors, while they may utilize some data, generally do not engage directly with the tracking functionalities intended for referral management within the healthcare provider's system.