Medicare Managed Care Manual (Pub. 100-16), Ch. 16a § 90.4
Referrals
90.4 – Referrals
(Rev. 99, Issued: 05-27-11, Effective: 05-27-11, Implementation: 05-27-11)
PFFS plans may not require members to obtain referrals in order to receive medically
necessary, plan-covered services. If a member receives a medically necessary, plan-
covered service from a qualified provider, without a referral or prior authorization from
the plan, the PFFS plan must pay for the service.