KAC Member Question:
Can we refer for an MRI in the state of Kentucky?
Answer:
This is a common question, especially as imaging access continues to vary across regions and facilities. Kentucky law does address a chiropractor’s authority to make referrals, and the statute provides helpful guidance on what is permitted and what is not required of the receiving facility.
Under KRS 312.017, chiropractors are permitted to refer patients to a physician, a licensed medical laboratory, or a licensed health facility for testing or examination when it is needed to support differential diagnosis or treatment. This referral authority includes studies such as MRI when clinically appropriate and when the imaging center qualifies as a licensed health facility.
However, the statute also contains an important limitation. While chiropractors are authorized to make referrals, no health care provider or facility is required to accept a referral from a chiropractor. This means that access to imaging, including MRI, may depend on the policies of the specific hospital, imaging center, or radiology group. Some locations readily accept chiropractic referrals, while others may require orders from a medical doctor or have internal policies that limit referral sources.
For chiropractors, the practical takeaway is that you may legally refer a patient for an MRI in Kentucky, but you should verify the policies of the facility where you intend to send your patient. Establishing relationships with imaging centers, confirming acceptance of chiropractic referrals, and maintaining clear communication with radiologists can help streamline the process and avoid delays in patient care.
As always, ensure that your referral is supported by appropriate clinical documentation and that the requested study aligns with the patient’s examination findings and treatment plan.
