ABSTRACT
Once a therapist has decided on the type of service he/she will be introducing, the next step is to work out how patients will actually refer themselves to it. Patients will need to provide some basic information about themselves and their condition or problem to assist the therapist in processing their referral efficiently and effectively. The most common ways patients introduce themselves are by telephone or in person. Patients telephone specifically to ask for an appointment with a healthcare practitioner. They are offered the option to provide details there and then or to be called back for this information at a later time. Patients also present themselves at identified locations and usually refer themselves by completing a form.
