Making Referrals
In treating patients, a Student Intern may become aware of conditions that may require a referral. The Student Intern should discuss the condition with the Clinic Supervisor to determine the necessity and appropriateness of referral and to whom to refer. The Clinic Supervisor has the responsibility of making the referral.
To determine the appropriateness of a referral, the following may be helpful:
- What are the symptoms? Do the symptoms represent a red flag such as risk of suicide, extreme pain, profuse bleeding, or broken bone?
- Any discussion, implication, or hint to the Student Intern that a patient is in danger of committing suicide should be immediately reported to the Clinic Supervisor. The Clinic Supervisor will decide if a call to 911, the patient’s therapist (if they have one), an emergency “help-line,” or a family member is in order.
Student Interns work with the Clinic Supervisor who makes the referral to a Licensed Health Care Provider.
Per MN Statue 147B Subd. 6, referral to other health care practitioners is required when an acupuncturist practitioner sees patients with potentially serious disorders including, but not limited to:
- cardiac conditions including uncontrolled hypertension;
- acute, severe abdominal pain;
- acute, undiagnosed neurological changes;
- unexplained weight loss or gain in excess of 15 percent of the body weight in less thana three-month period;
- suspected fracture or dislocation;
- suspected systemic infections;
- any serious undiagnosed hemorrhagic disorder; and
- acute respiratory distress without previous history.
The acupuncturist shall request a consultation or written diagnosis from a licensed physician for patients with potentially serious disorders.