Access Optimization Update: Standardizing Referral Expiration Timelines

As part of the Access Optimization work shared last month, Seattle Children’s is standardizing referral expiration timelines. Beginning December 17, new referrals will expire after 12 months instead of 18 months, aligning scheduling practices across service lines. Referrals submitted before December 17 will follow current timelines (typically 18 months).

Exceptions exist for the following programs:

• Autism Center: 5 years
• Pain Medicine: 3 years
• Acupuncture: 3 years
• Neuropsychology: 3 years
• Outpatient Psychiatry: 3 years
• Embedded Behavioral Health: 3 years
• Plastic Surgery: 3 years