If your diagnosis is not clear after reviewing your medical history and additional testing, your internist may refer you to a specialist. Duke has nationally recognized experts in all fields of medicine and surgery.

If the referral is not urgent, your internist will submit the referral using the electronic system in operation at Duke. Often, you will not have your appointment scheduled for you right after your appointment.

A referral team processes the request from your internist and works with the specialist's office to find the best time for your appointment. It can take up to seven business days to process the referral request. You will be notified of the time and location of your appointment and the name of the specialist you will be seeing.

Only call the clinic office about your referral if seven business days have passed from your appointment with your internist.