Initiating a Referral

Referrals may be initiated by hospitals, medical staffs, Physician Well-Being Committees (PWBCs), medical boards, attorneys, or other professional bodies seeking an independent evaluation. Referrals may also include requests for expert testimony associated with the evaluation.


To begin the process, the referring entity provides:

  • A completed referral form outlining the reason for the evaluation and the specific referral questions to be addressed.

  • Relevant background documentation, including clinical records, performance reports, correspondence, or prior evaluations.

  • Contact information for the primary liaison responsible for communication during the evaluation process.

Upon receipt, all materials are reviewed to ensure clarity and completeness before scheduling is confirmed.

Initial referral inquiries may be submitted securely via the Contact Form on the website or by email.

Confidentiality and Communication

Confidentiality is fundamental to the integrity of the evaluation process. The referred individual is informed in writing of:

  • What information will be shared and with whom.

  • The scope of the evaluation and how findings will be communicated.

  • The right to review and sign release-of-information documents prior to the sharing of any report or data.

Communication with referring entities is structured and limited to what is necessary for coordination and clarification. Interim updates are provided only when appropriate, and all correspondence is documented to ensure transparency.

Scheduling and Pre-Evaluation Coordination

Once the referral materials are reviewed, the evaluation is scheduled promptly. A written evaluation agreement is prepared and provided to both the referring entity and the physician being evaluated. The agreement defines:

  • The purpose and scope of the evaluation.

  • The roles and responsibilities of all parties.

  • The limits of confidentiality and provisions for information release.

  • The timeline for completion and delivery of the report.

Scheduling balances timeliness with thoroughness—ensuring that the process is neither rushed nor delayed unnecessarily. Evaluations are typically conducted within an accelerated timeframe once documentation and consent are finalized.

Post-Evaluation

After the report is delivered, follow-up discussion with the referring entity is available to clarify findings or recommendations. No new opinions are issued beyond what is stated in the written report, but interpretive discussion may assist the organization in applying recommendations appropriately.

If additional data become available that may materially affect the conclusions, a supplemental addendum can be issued upon request.

Cost and Payment Responsibility

Unless alternate arrangements are made, the referred individual is responsible for all evaluation-related costs, including any additional laboratory testing, psychological or neuropsychological assessments, or consultations with outside experts. Fee schedules available upon request.

- Referral Process -

Dr. David Granovetter welcomes referrals from anyone seeking independent, comprehensive evaluations for physicians and other safety-sensitive healthcare individuals. This page outlines how to initiate a referral and what to expect during the process.

The referral process is structured to promote clarity, transparency, and accountability from the moment a case is initiated through the delivery of the final report. Each step is designed to ensure efficiency, fairness, and adherence to professional and ethical standards while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and communication with all parties.

Overview

The referral process defines the working relationship between the referring entity and Dr. Granovetter’s evaluation practice. It ensures that both the referrer and the individual being evaluated understand the scope, purpose, and limitations of the evaluation prior to its initiation. This structured approach allows the evaluation to proceed efficiently while protecting the integrity of all participants and the confidentiality of the process.