See also:
Patient Responsibility for Follow-up of Diagnosis and Treatment
Consultations and/or Referrals, Mandatory
Education, Patient
Patient Self-Referral
The AAFP has historically upheld freedom of choice for both physicians and patients as a fundamental principle. However, it is the position of the AAFP that every person should have a family physician for comprehensive and continuing care and that the family physician, in consultation with the patient, should guide referrals to other health care professionals. The AAFP recognizes that some people will choose to self-refer. The AAFP's position is that the patient is best served through shared decision-making with his/her family physician. (1981) (March Board 2008)
