Specialist medical disciplines focus on a specific body system, disease type. Primary care doctors refer patients to appropriate specialists based on symptoms. Referral policies vary among insurance companies, specialists, and healthcare institutions. NextClinic facilitates referrals across all major specialist disciplines, serving diverse medical needs from cardiac problems to mental health conditions. When health situations require advanced medical evaluation beyond the capabilities of primary care, patients have access to specialized expertise.

Skin condition evaluation

Dermatology referrals address skin concerns beyond the primary care scope. Suspicious moles, persistent rashes, severe acne, hair loss, nail disorders all warrant dermatologist evaluation. Skin cancer screening represents a common referral reason, given the rising melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer rates. The specialist referral online processes work well for dermatology, given the visual nature of skin conditions. Photos uploaded during primary care consultations allow doctors to assess whether a specialist referral becomes necessary. Clear images showing skin lesions, rashes, and hair patterns help dermatologists prepare for appointments.

• Changing moles with irregular borders, multiple colors, rapid growth require dermatologist examination for skin cancer evaluation through biopsy if needed
• Chronic eczema and psoriasis not controlled through primary care treatments need specialist management, including biologic medications and phototherapy
• Severe acne resistant to oral antibiotics, topical treatments warrants dermatologist evaluation for isotretinoin, other advanced acne therapies
• Unexplained rashes persisting despite treatment attempts need a specialist diagnosis through skin biopsy, patch testing, and specialized examination
• Hair loss patterns suggesting alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and other hair disorders benefit from dermatologist evaluation and treatment planning

Cardiovascular specialist access

Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and stress tests often precede cardiology referrals. These diagnostic tests provide objective cardiac function data supporting referral medical necessity. Abnormal results strengthen insurance authorization approval and demonstrate clear clinical indications for specialist evaluation.

• Chest pain with exertion suggests coronary artery disease needing cardiologist assessment through advanced cardiac testing
• Irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, require cardiologist management through medications and device implantation
• Heart failure symptoms, including fluid retention, need specialist evaluation for optimal medication management
• High blood pressure resistant to multiple medication combinations warrants specialist assessment for secondary hypertension causes
• Family history of early heart disease, sudden cardiac death prompts preventive cardiology screening even without current symptoms

Interventional cardiologists receive referrals for procedures, including angioplasty. Electrophysiologists handle complex rhythm disorders requiring specialized testing and ablation procedures.

Mental health treatment

Psychiatry and psychology referrals address mental health conditions beyond the primary care management scope. Mental health specialists should be involved with severe depression. A primary care doctor treats mild to moderate mental health conditions. Psychotic symptoms all trigger mental health specialist referrals for expert evaluation and advanced treatment options.

• Severe depression with suicidal thoughts requires emergency psychiatric evaluation for safety assessment, potential hospitalization, and intensive treatment
• Bipolar disorder needs psychiatrist management given complex medication regimens, mood stabilization challenges, and hospitalization risks during manic episodes
• Panic disorder with frequent attacks despite medication trials warrants specialist evaluation for optimized treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy
• ADHD diagnosis in adults requires psychiatric assessment through detailed history, rating scales, and consideration of medication versus behavioural interventions
• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, need specialist treatment through combined psychiatric medication and psychological therapy

Psychologists provide therapy without prescribing medications. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, provide medication management, and offer therapy. Psychiatric nurse practitioners deliver similar services to psychiatrists in many regions. Addiction specialists address substance use disorders requiring specialized treatment approaches.