referral

[ri-fur-uhl]

noun

1. an act of referring; the state of being referred.

2. an instance of referring.

3. a person recommended to someone or for something.

Word History and Origins

Origin of referral¹

First recorded in 1930–35; refer + -al ²

Example Sentences

If a professional recognises that a child may have autism or ADHD, they are also expected to make a referral for an assessment.

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Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits such as vision and dental coverage but have a limited choice of doctors and requirements for specialist referrals.

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If you are looking at an HMO, you should also check the plan documents for other constraints, such as requirements that you get a referral from your primary-care physician to see a specialist.

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However, a referral to a "blue" social prescribing scheme in 2023 run by the Ocean Conservation Trust helped her through this difficult time.

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These services include psychological treatment, legal advocacy and referral and a team of on-call, volunteer advocates—the core of the operation—who ensure survivors’ interactions with law enforcement and hospital staff go smoothly.

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Related Words

• barometer 
• criterion 
• frame of reference 
• touchstone 
• yardstick