If you notice a disease while treating a client, refer them to a physician.

When you’re in the middle of helping a client and something doesn’t add up, what’s the right move? It’s a moment that tests your judgment, your duty of care, and your ability to keep people safe. The answer is simple in principle, but it matters a lot in practice: refer the client to a physician.

Why referring, not guessing

Let’s be crystal clear from the start. As a professional trained in health and wellness, you bring knowledge about signs, symptoms, and risk factors. You’re there to support, educate, and guide. Diagnosing a disease or making medical management decisions sits with a physician or another licensed clinician who has access to tests, imaging, and a full medical history. That boundary isn’t a limitation—it’s a safeguard for the client. When you notice something that could be a medical issue, sending the client to a physician ensures they get a proper evaluation and the right treatment plan.

Think of it this way: you’ve spotted a potential red flag. A physician has the tools to confirm what’s happening, determine severity, and coordinate the next steps. That collaboration protects the client’s health and keeps you from stepping into territory that’s outside your professional duties.

Analyzing the answer options (without getting lost in a multiple-choice echo)

• Continue with the treatment (A): This can be risky. If the issue is medical in nature, continuing without a clear medical evaluation might delay care and could make things worse.

• Notify your supervisor (B): It’s good to keep leadership in the loop, but it isn’t a substitute for a medical referral. Supervisors can guide, but they aren’t the clinician who can diagnose or manage a medical condition.

• Refer them to a physician (C): This is the responsible move. It ensures a proper assessment and medical management.

• Document the findings (D): Documenting is essential, yes, but on its own it doesn’t replace a medical examination. It supports the referral, not replaces it.

The right move is C—referral. It aligns with professional ethics, patient safety, and the standards many state board assessments emphasize.

The ethical and legal layer

Even if you’re skilled in certain wellness fields, diagnosing medical conditions typically falls outside your licensed scope. Referring to a physician isn’t just nice to have; it’s a legal and ethical obligation in many jurisdictions. It signals respect for the client’s autonomy and right to informed care. It also protects you and your organization from misunderstandings about what you can or cannot conclude from observations during a session.

A practical way to think about it: you’re a trusted guide who recognizes when a medical expert is needed. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to know where to direct the client so they can get them.

How to handle it in the moment

• Notice and note: I f you sense something medical might be going on, observe carefully, but avoid diagnosing. Jot down concrete observations—symptom patterns, duration, any accompanying signs, and what the client reported.

• Talk calmly with the client: You can say, “I’m noticing factors that could benefit from medical review. I can help you find a physician or urgent care if you’d like.” Keep the conversation respectful and non-alarming.

• Provide a clear referral path: Have a ready list of trusted physicians, clinics, or urgent care centers. If you work in a facility, there’s likely a formal referral protocol. Share contact details, appointment tips, and what to bring (medical history, current meds, previous test results).

• Respect privacy and consent: Share information only with the client’s consent and in a way that protects their privacy. If a family member or caregiver is involved, ensure you have authorization to share details.

• Document non-diagnostic notes: Record your observations, the client’s concerns, and the referral you offered. This isn’t about signaling fault; it’s about creating a clear care pathway.

• Follow up appropriately: A gentle check-in can be okay after a referral, but avoid pressuring the client. Let them take the next step at their own pace.

What if the issue is urgent?

If the signs point to something life-threatening or rapidly worsening—severe chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or confusion—advise immediate emergency care, or call local emergency services. In those moments, the priority is quick action and a handoff to emergency professionals.

A few real-world nuances

• Your role isn’t just a one-time say-and-go moment. You’re part of a broader care network. Building a dependable referral web—physicians, clinics, telemedicine options—helps every client move faster toward appropriate care.

• Contagious conditions deserve special care. If you suspect a contagious disease, follow your organization’s infection control guidelines and advise the client to seek prompt medical advice while protecting others.

• The value of clear communication: Clients appreciate when you’re candid yet supportive. Simple language, free of jargon, helps them understand why a medical review is important and what to expect next.

• Documentation isn’t noise; it’s a bridge. A well-documented note about what you observed, why you recommended a medical referral, and what the client decided helps future care providers pick up where you left off.

• Digital tools can help: Electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and secure messaging platforms make referrals smoother. If you’re in a clinic that uses them, attach notes, share the referral, and track whether the client obtained medical follow-up.

Building a reliable referral habit

• Start with a vetted list: Maintain a current directory of physicians or clinics with accessible hours and language options if relevant. Include urgent care and telehealth options for after-hours needs.

• Prepare a short, respectful script: “Based on what I’m seeing today, a physician can evaluate you for a possible medical issue. Here are a few trusted options. Would you like me to help set up an appointment or share contact details?” Clear, supportive language reduces anxiety.

• Keep the line of communication open: If you’re unsure about a symptom’s significance, it’s okay to say, “I don’t have enough information to assess this fully. I’ll point you to someone who can give you a precise evaluation.”

• Learn the red flags: Familiarize yourself with symptom clusters that typically require urgent referral, such as sudden severe pain, neurological changes, or signs of infection with fever and confusion.

• Reflect and refine: After each case where you referred, take a moment to consider what helped the client move forward and where you could improve the referral flow.

A quick, practical checklist you can use

• Observe and note non-diagnostic factors (symptoms, duration, risk factors).

• Tell the client you’re referring them to a physician and explain why.

• Provide a written referral list with addresses, phone numbers, and appointment tips.

• Explain what the client should bring to the visit (medical history, meds, recent tests).

• Document your observations and the referral decision in the client’s file.

• Follow up to confirm the client accessed medical care, if appropriate and with consent.

A gentle tangent you might appreciate

People sometimes worry they’ll appear unhelpful if they don’t “solve” the medical mystery on the spot. The truth is, helping someone navigate toward proper medical care can be one of the most supportive things you do. It’s not a failure to refer; it’s a commitment to their well-being. Think of it as guiding a traveler to the right crossing—your role is to point them toward safety, then stay on the map as a helpful resource.

Closing thoughts

If you notice a disease while interacting with a client, choosing to refer them to a physician is the sensible, ethical, and protective action. It honors the client’s health needs and respects the boundaries of your professional scope. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about care that travels beyond the session, leading to accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and the best possible outcome for the person you’re helping.

If you’re building a career in this field, you’ll find that trust shines brightest when you’re clear about what you can do, what you can’t, and how you connect the dots to medical experts who can take the next step. In the end, even the simplest, most direct action—pointing a client to a physician—can be the most powerful act of care you offer. And that isn’t just good sense; it’s a cornerstone of responsible service that clients remember long after they walk out your door.