What is our policy regarding specialty referrals?
We often field requests for HMO referrals to specialists, e.g. dermatologists to look at acne or remove a skin cancer. First, it is important to understand that family medicine is a specialty itself. The vast majority of family physicians are capable of taking care of a wide range of medical and minor surgical conditions without a need to refer out to a specialist. Every physician should know his/her limitations. I, for example, have not delivered a baby in over 15 years. I gladly refer these cases to the local obstetricians. I do, however, perform well-woman exams, so these do not have to be referred out unless a patient truly prefers a particular gynecologist. We have the capability to perform minor office surgical procedures such as biopsies and excisions of many skin lesions, as well as cryosurgery (“freezing” of pre-malignant and other benign skin lesions). We treat most types of common dermatitis and other skin conditions, as well. However, should a patient not observe appropriat
