What is a request to evaluate, treat, and assume care for a patient for a condition called?

A request to evaluate, treat, and assume care for a patient for a condition is referred to as a referral. In the context of healthcare, a referral occurs when one healthcare provider directs a patient to another provider for further evaluation, treatment, or specialized care. This process often involves transferring the responsibility for specific aspects of the patient's care, which can be crucial in ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate level of expertise, particularly for complex conditions that may be outside the primary provider's scope of practice.

In contrast, an assessment typically refers to the initial evaluation of a patient's condition, including determining their needs and health status. A consultation involves a specialist providing insights or recommendations while the original provider retains primary responsibility. A diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease or condition based on the evaluation of symptoms and clinical findings rather than the action of passing along a patient for care. This understanding helps clarify the distinct roles that these terms play in healthcare delivery and patient management.