REFERRALS
WVSOM Health is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare. When necessary, your provider may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment. This information is intended to help you better understand the referral process and associated timelines.
Referrals are an important part of coordinated care. They help reduce gaps in care, support better patient outcomes and ensure patients receive the additional testing, evaluation or treatment they may need. Referrals are commonly made to help determine a diagnosis, develop a care plan or outline treatment options.
How do referrals work with your health insurance?
If you have health insurance, WVSOM Health will make every effort to refer you to an in-network facility or provider. A referral specialist will work with your insurance company to obtain any prior authorizations that may be required before your appointment is scheduled.
Please note that many insurance carriers do not cover treatment by out-of-state providers. If this applies to your referral, our staff will notify you.
How long does it take to get an appointment after a referral?
It depends. Our referral specialists will work diligently to quickly process your referral. Most routine referrals (i.e. mammograms, ultrasounds, physical therapy, etc.) are made within 5-7 business days. Once your referral has been made, you will be scheduled for your appointment. If your insurance company requires a prior authorization, it may take up to three weeks to obtain approval and get an appointment scheduled. Once your appointment is scheduled, a referrals specialist will contact you. If your appointment date is greater than 10 days out, a letter will be mailed to your home. Depending on the type of referral, appointments with certain specialties such as cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, and rheumatology can be scheduled out several months. Stat or urgent referrals for imaging studies are usually scheduled within a few days.
If you have questions, please contact the Referral Department at 304-645-3220 ext. 1709