Client Assessment & Treatment Planning

Lesson 10 of 10

Referral and Healthcare Collaboration

Referral is appropriate when a concern is outside the massage therapist’s scope, competence, or safe service setting. Collaboration can support coordinated care, but it requires clear role boundaries and respect for client privacy. Explain the reason for a referral in factual, non-alarming language and avoid diagnosing. In urgent situations, follow emergency procedures rather than delaying for routine coordination.

Key points

• Recognize limits in scope, training, and available information; do not try to rule out a medical condition.
• Pause or defer massage when symptoms, recent changes, or other concerns make proceeding inappropriate or uncertain.
• Recommend an appropriate healthcare professional or urgent service based on the concern and applicable procedures.
• Describe observed or reported facts and the reason for concern without assigning a diagnosis or overstating certainty.
• Obtain appropriate authorization before sharing client information, except as permitted or required by law.
• Document the discussion, the client’s preferences, actions taken, and any agreed follow-up securely.

Key terms

Referral

Recommendation that a client seek evaluation or services from an appropriate professional.

Collaboration

Communication among professionals to support coordinated care within each role.

Scope boundary

A limit defining services or decisions outside a practitioner’s authorized role.

Authorization

Permission or legal basis required for sharing protected client information.