Special needs navigator
Closed-loop referrals
A referral is only useful if the appointment happens, the specialist’s findings come back, and someone acts on them. That full circle is a closed loop, and it is how referrals work at Dare2Care.
The loop
Five steps, none skipped
Step 1: We write the referral
With the specific question, the relevant history and records attached, and the insurance authorization requested when the plan needs one.
Step 2: We confirm it landed
Our staff check that the specialist received the referral and that you have an appointment, and we help when the first available date is months away.
Step 3: You go, and we know
We track whether the visit happened. If it did not, we call to find out why: transport, insurance, a scheduling problem, or a change of mind, all fixable.
Step 4: The findings come back
We request the specialist’s note if it does not arrive, read it, and add it to the care plan.
Step 5: We act and tell you
New medicine, therapy prescription, school letter, another referral, or simply reassurance. You hear from us either way, and the loop is closed in the chart.
Your part
What each status means for you
| Status | What is happening | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Referral sent | The specialist’s office has it; the authorization is requested if needed | Expect a scheduling call within about a week; call us if it does not come |
| Scheduled | You have a date | Tell us the date through the portal so we can track it |
| Completed, awaiting note | The visit happened; we are waiting for the specialist’s report | Nothing; we chase the note if it is late |
| Closed | We have the findings, updated the plan and contacted you | Ask if anything in the plan is unclear |
| Not completed | The visit did not happen | Call us; most reasons can be solved, and a referral can be redirected |
Questions
Referral questions
Why does my plan require a referral from you?
Georgia Medicaid plans and many HMO plans only cover specialist visits that start with the primary care provider on file. See choosing your primary care provider if the PCP on your card is not us.
The specialist has a six-month wait. What now?
Tell us. We often know a second practice with earlier availability, can ask for a cancellation list, or can manage the problem ourselves in the meantime.
Can I be referred to a specialist of my choice?
Yes, if the specialist is in your plan’s network. We will tell you if we know something about wait times or fit for your child’s needs, and the choice stays yours.
What if the specialist wants us to see yet another specialist?
Send that request to us. We write the next referral so it stays in the loop and the care plan, rather than branching off on its own.
Waiting on a referral?
Call or text (770) 615-7000 and we will check its status while you are on the line.