Do I need a referral, and what insurance is accepted?
How to verify referral and insurance requirements before requesting an appointment with Dr. Patel.
The direct answer
You do not need a referral to call and ask about an appointment; whether one is required for coverage depends on your insurance plan. Dr. Patel works with most major insurance plans; call the office to verify your specific plan, including Medicare, and the office can help you check the referral question at the same time.
Questions for the insurance plan
Ask whether Dr. Patel and the intended location are in network, whether a referral is required, which imaging or procedures need authorization, and what cost-sharing applies.
Record the reference number for the call when your insurer provides one.
Questions for the office
Confirm that the office has the referral, relevant images, and the correct insurance information before the visit when your plan requires those items.
If your own doctor wants to send a referral, they can: Indiana Orthopedic Institute has a referral form for physician offices, described on this site’s referring-physicians page.
Sources and further reading
- Patient ReferralIndiana Orthopedic Institute
Neel Patel, M.D. · Clinically reviewed 2026-07-29
Reviewed at least annually, and whenever major clinical guidance, source references, or practice facts change.