IMS routes referrals by fax. Build the packet in the chart first, then send it once — one fax with everything beats four faxes the specialist's office has to reassemble.
Before you start
Confirm the specialist exists in Setup › Physician Master with a fax number on the record, the progress note is signed — unsigned notes fax as drafts, or don’t appear at all — and demographics and insurance are current, since the form merges them as they stand today.
Confirm demographics and insurance are current before building the referral packet.
Find it under a Forms tab, a Print/Fax Forms icon, or Chart › Documents › Forms.
Choose it from the template list.
Specialist and practice, specialty, reason for referral, diagnosis codes, urgency, and authorization or visit count.
This files the form in Document Management before you send it.
Open it for the patient and sort by date.
Put the referral form first — IMS merges in list order.
Right-click → Fax Selected Documents, or use the Fax button on the toolbar.
The fax number populates automatically. Choose the cover page and name the contents in the comment line.
Send, then open the Fax Console and check the page count against what you selected.
What goes in the packet
Physician Referral Form (always first, since IMS merges in list order), the most recent signed progress note documenting the reason for referral, relevant labs, the written imaging report, insurance card and demographics if the specialist's office requires it up front, and prior authorization when the plan requires it before scheduling.
Fax console status
Sent means delivered — confirm the page count matches the packet.
In Progress means it's still retrying; wait, since resending now creates a duplicate.
Failed is almost always a wrong number or a voice line — verify it in Physician Master, then resend.