This is probably one of my biggest problems. We have a certain HMO that comes in to our office stating they want us to:
1) refer patients when necessary
2) notify the patient when the authorization comes in (mind you it's mailed to their home address)
3) Follow up with patient to make sure they made their appointment
4) Make sure they went to their appointment
5) Document all of the above
Yet, there is NO REQUIREMENT for the specialist to send us notes on a timely basis.
I rarely know they went to the specialist. I hardly ever get records. When the patient comes back to my office, they don't know what meds they were given or what tests were ordered/done. We request medical records but usually get them later in the week after the patients appointment.
You aren't alone.
