Improvement in referral practices elicited by a redesigned request format.

Significantly improved clinical information was supplied by referring physicians when a redesigned referral form was introduced. Although this form provided less space, the specific questions that were included elicited an increase in the total number of words and useful clinical information that was supplied. In turn, the better clinical information helped the radiologist produce an improved report for the referring physician. These positive changes were noted with the introduction of the new form, and they persisted when the form was reevaluated 12 months later.