Final answer:
A physician should typically provide at least three referral names when referring a patient to another physician, to offer a range of choices and avoid the appearance of bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physician in an office needs to refer a patient to another physician, best practices suggest providing the patient with multiple referrals, typically at least three different names. This practice ensures that the patient has options, potentially increasing their chance of finding a specialist that is suitable for their needs, and that they are comfortable with. Additionally, offering multiple referrals helps to avoid the appearance of undue bias toward a particular physician or practice. The actual number might vary depending on the specifics of the situation, but three is often considered a proper balance to provide enough choice without overwhelming the patient.