Podiatrists: source of referrals to family physicians.

Objective: This study examines the methods of referral and the satisfaction that podiatrists feel from the referrals they make to family physicians. Furthermore, this study examines the correlates of podiatrists' referrals to family physicians and also the referrals podiatrists receive back (reciprocal referrals) from family physicians.

Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to all podiatrists who practice in the Chicago (IL) metropolitan area. The survey response rate was 68.2% (191 of 280).

Results: Podiatrists who more often socially interact with family physicians, practice in close physical proximity to family physicians, and communicate interpersonally with family physicians are more likely to be involved in reciprocal referrals with family physicians. In addition, 67.7% of the podiatrists are satisfied with the referrals they make to family physicians.

Conclusions: We found an important patient referral network from podiatrists to family physicians. Our findings are consistent with the contention that, in family practice, interprovider coordination of care is facilitated by open and interpersonal communication.