Which type of referral is given when time is critical?

• A. Regular referral.
• B. Urgent referral.
• C. STAT referral.
• D. No referral required.

Answer: (C)

In time-critical situations, the level of urgency signals how fast help is needed. A STAT referral is the highest-priority request and is acted on immediately, often within minutes to an hour, to get rapid specialist input or urgent intervention. This is why it’s the best choice when time is critical. Regular referrals follow routine scheduling, and urgent referrals are faster than regular but not immediate. No referral required means no escalation is needed.