Final answer:
A referral form, signed by the physician, is required by managed care plans when a patient needs to see a specialist. This ensures coordinated care and is essential for insurance processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a managed care plan requires a referral form to be completed and signed by the physician and given to the patient to give to the specialist when they go to their appointment, it is an administrative process in health care management. This process ensures that the primary care provider coordinates the patient's care with the appropriate specialists and services. The referral form typically contains information about the patient's current medical condition, the reason for referral, and any preliminary tests or blood work performed. It is important that the patient brings this referral form to the specialist to maintain continuity of care and for insurance purposes.