CDA Medical Referrals

  1. Department Directory
  2. Center for Disability Access
  3. CDA Documentation and Policies
  4. CDA Medical Referrals

Students with specific health needs may be referred to local specialists on an as-needed basis by RIC’s Office of Health Services and the Counseling Center.

Testing Accommodations

The CDA does not provide testing services to students to diagnose learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or autism spectrum disorders. If you need neuropsychological testing to confirm your eligibility for accommodations, contact a local testing provider. The CDA and RIC’s Counseling Center can provide you with a list of providers. (We offer this list as courtesy, not as an endorsement of a given provider’s quality of service. You may also see an unlisted provider if you choose.) Please note: obtaining a neuropsychological exam does not guarantee eligibility for accommodations.

What is a referral?

A referral is a written or electronic order from your on-campus provider to see an off-campus specialist for a specific medical or mental health service. Referrals are an opportunity to connect students for further assessment, on-going care or specialized treatment.

Referrals are required by many health insurances companies to ensure that members are seeing the appropriate providers for their treatment. Referrals must be issued prior to an off-campus appointment and cannot be backdated.

When do I need a referral?

In general, you will need a referral for any specialty care, tests, or procedures that are not provided by RIC’s Office of Health Services or the Counseling Center. Referrals from the Office of Health Services and the Counseling Center providers are required for most off-campus services for in-network coverage. Some common types of specialty care include:

  • Treatment from a specialist
  • Certain mental health services

If you elect to seek off-campus services without a current valid referral, you may be charged at an out-of-network rate and accept responsibility for the higher out-of-pocket costs.

How do I get a referral?

First, determine what services are covered by your health insurance provider. If you are enrolled in RIC’s insurance plan, consult University Health Plans’ comprehensive guide to RIC coverage for more information. If you are enrolled in a different insurance plan, please consult your provider before beginning your search. If you need a referral, please connect directly with Office of Health Services or the Counseling Center.