Why do I have to have a referral for Dr Sewell, he has performed 2 surgeries on me, and I was told because I haven't seen him for about a year and a half, I need referral. Help me understand.

Hope does have an annoying policy requiring a referral from your primary care doc before they'll make an appointment for you. I've not gotten an adequate explanation, they state only that it's Hope's policy. I suspect it's to limit their patients to people who really require an orthopedic doctor, eliminating those whose sprained ankle or broken finger could be treated by their primary care provider.Maybe the person who left the answer will enlighten you. They've never helped me understand better. You might point out to their service rep that Hope's very own glossy brochure telling about the services provided there states very CLEARLY (paraphrasing) : If you think you can benefit from our services, GIVE US A CALL. Note that NOWHERE does it say you need a referral first. You might point this discrepancy out to HOPE. I'm unlucky enough to need to see my surgeon very often now and I no longer have to get a referral. Irritating tho, isn't it? Try the brochure angle, OK? Might help.

Teresa, thank you for reaching out to us. Our central intake department would be happy to answer this question for you. Please call our main line at 503-540-6300 and choose option 1.

I was able to self refer. It might be specific to your insurance carrier.

I believe it has to do with insurance carriers and having to sign up each year and changes that occur almost always.