How to Say Patient Referral in Spanish

Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary in the field of healthcare? Knowing how to communicate the concept of “patient referral” is essential in providing comprehensive care. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express “patient referral” in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say Patient Referral

When it comes to formal language, it’s important to use appropriate terminology. Here are a few ways to express “patient referral” in a more professional setting:

1. Derivación de Pacientes

The most common and formal way to say “patient referral” in Spanish is “derivación de pacientes.” This term is widely used across Spanish-speaking countries and is understood in both medical and administrative contexts. You can use this phrase when discussing the process of transferring patients from one healthcare professional to another.

Example: El médico realizó la derivación de pacientes al especialista para un diagnóstico más preciso. (The doctor made the patient referral to the specialist for a more accurate diagnosis.)

2. Remisión de Pacientes

Another formal synonym for “patient referral” is “remisión de pacientes.” This term is frequently used in medical settings and emphasizes the referral process as a recommendation made by a healthcare provider for specialized care.

Example: El dentista envió la remisión de pacientes al ortodoncista para corregir los problemas de mordida. (The dentist sent the patient referral to the orthodontist to correct the bite issues.)

Informal Ways to Say Patient Referral

In more informal situations, such as conversations with friends or less formal healthcare settings, you might prefer using informal terminology. Here are a few alternatives that maintain a friendly tone:

1. Recomendar a alguien

One way to express “patient referral” informally is to use the verb “recomendar.” This term is widely understood and can convey the idea of recommending someone to seek specialized healthcare.

Example: Te recomiendo un buen médico que puede ayudarte con ese problema. (I recommend a good doctor who can help you with that issue.)

2. Envío a un especialista

Another informal phrase to use when discussing patient referrals is “envío a un especialista.” This expression implies sending the person to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment.

Example: La enfermera decidió hacer el envío a un especialista para que revisen tus resultados. (The nurse decided to make the patient referral to a specialist to review your results.)

Regional Variations

While the formal and informal terms mentioned above are widely used across Spanish-speaking countries, there may be some regional variations. Here are a few examples:

1. Orientar Pacientes (Used Regionally)

In some Latin American countries, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase “orientar pacientes” is used to refer to patient referrals. This term implies guiding or directing patients towards specialized care.

2. Traslado de Pacientes (Used Regionally)

In Spain and some South American countries, such as Chile, the term “traslado de pacientes” is occasionally used instead of “derivación de pacientes.” This phrase specifically emphasizes the transfer or movement of patients from one healthcare professional to another.