A subtype of SERVICE REQUEST.

A request for a care service, other than a specific diagnostic investigation or diagnostic procedure, to be provided for a PATIENT. This includes PATIENT self-referrals for an APPOINTMENT to see or be in contact with a CARE PROFESSIONAL of an ORGANISATION.

If there is a verbal request this would normally be confirmed by written request, and these should be processed as one referral. An electronic message is treated as a written referral.

Where the REFERRAL REQUEST relates to a booking system, the PATIENT is given the choice of when to attend or be in contact. For full booking, the PATIENT is offered a date within one working day of the referral or DECISION TO ADMIT.

This class is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	REFERRAL REQUESTS