What does the 'Referral Source' component identify?

• A. Who referred the patient
• B. The patient's medical history
• C. The tests administered
• D. The prognosis

Answer: (A)

Referral Source identifies who referred the patient to the clinician or service. It records the origin of the referral—such as a primary care physician, another specialist, a school or agency, or the patient or guardian themselves. Knowing who initiated the referral helps clinicians understand the context and potential expectations shaping the visit, and it guides how the intake and initial assessment should be approached. It is not about the patient’s medical history, the tests to be or have been administered, or the prognosis.