- Make an Appointment
- Find a Doctor in the HCA Network
- Access Your Medical Records
- Request a Birth/Death Certificate
- Understand Your Current Insurance Coverage
- Get Help Paying for Your Care
- Get Insurance Coverage
- Get a Referral for Medical Services
- Pay a Bill
- Get a Copy of Your Vaccination Records
- Access Social Services
- Request Public Records
- Verify Employment
- Connect to Mental Health Services
- Connect to Substance Use Resources
- Connect to Addiction Medicine Services
- Get a Vaccine
- Get Emergency Preparedness Recources
- Access Resources for Vulnerable/Unhoused Populations
- Get Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
- Report a Mosquito Related Concern
- Get a Food Service Permit
- Report a Food Facility
- Dispose of Medical Waste/Sharps
- Give Feedback/Ask a Question
How to get a referral for medical services
Whether you are a current patient of the Ventura County Medical System or looking to connect to a specialist within our network, you should first talk to your primary care provider. We have outlined the process below:
Step 1: Consultation with Your Primary Care Provider (PCP):Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss your health concern. During this consultation:
Describe your symptoms and medical history in detail.
Express your interest in seeking specialized care.
Step 2: Evaluation and Recommendation: Your PCP will assess your condition and determine if specialty care is necessary. They may:
Conduct tests or exams to gather additional information.
Provide recommendations based on your medical needs.
Step 3: Request for Referral:If your PCP believes specialty care is warranted, they will initiate the referral process:
Request a referral for the specific specialty or specialist.
Discuss the reasons for the referral with you.
Step 4: Authorization and Coordination: Once your PCP generates the referral, coordination with the Specilaist’s office begins.
Step 5: Contacting the Specialist: Expect a call from the specialist’s office where you will then:
Schedule an appointment based on your availability.
Confirm any pre-visit requirements, such as medical records or tests.
Step 6: Specialist Consultation: Attend your specialist appointment:
Discuss your medical history and current concerns.
Participate in any required tests or evaluations.
Step 7: Treatment Plan and Follow-up: The specialist will:
Develop a personalized treatment plan for your condition.
Communicate the plan to you and your PCP.
Step 8: Feedback to Your PCP: After your specialist consultation, report back to your PCP:
Share information about your visit and treatment plan.
Keep your PCP informed about your progress.
Step 9: Ongoing Communication: Maintain open communication with both your PCP and specialist:
Keep them updated on your health and treatment outcomes.
Address any concerns or questions promptly.
