Appointments: (515) 247-8400

April 16, 2026

UHC & AARP Medicare Referral Requirement Starting May 1, 2026

Maddie Scott

Doctor reviewing referral paperwork for specialist visit to Iowa Ortho

Beginning May 1, 2026, patients with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicare Replacement and AARP Medicare Replacement insurance plans will need a referral from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) before being seen at Iowa Ortho.

Why This Matters

These insurance plans require a referral from your PCP for specialist visits.

Without a referral on file, we are unable to schedule your appointment or continue your care at Iowa Ortho.

What This Means

  • A valid PCP referral is required before your visit
  • We cannot schedule additional appointments without a referral on file
  • Patients with existing appointments may be contacted to help obtain a referral

What You Need to Do

To avoid delays in your care, please follow these steps:

  1. Contact Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
    • Reach out to your PCP’s office and let them know you need a referral.
  2. Request a Referral to Iowa Ortho
    • Be sure your provider sends the referral specifically to Iowa Ortho.
  3. Confirm We’ve Received It
    • Your referral must be received before your appointment. This helps ensure everything is in place when you arrive.

Already Have an Appointment Scheduled?

If you have an upcoming visit and a referral is not yet on file, our team may contact you to help you take the next steps.

Need Help? We’re Here for You

If you have questions or need assistance with the referral process, please call us at 515-247-8400. Our team is happy to help make this process as smooth as possible.

If you’re unsure whether your insurance requires a referral, we recommend contacting your insurance provider or your PCP before scheduling your visit.