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Referral

A referral from your primary care doctor that directs you to a specialist or authorizes specific medical services.

Detailed Explanation

HMO plans often require referrals to ensure that you are seeing the appropriate specialist for your medical needs.

Practical Example

Because Michael has an HMO plan, he needed to see his primary care physician first to get a referral before he could schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for his skin condition.

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