History and Objectives: Due to the important role of the referral system in utilization of medical and educational resources, the current study was performed in 1996 to determine referral patterns in Kashan hospitals.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 614 patients were selected through sequential sampling. The sample size was calculated based on the 10% error. These 614 patients were distributed in Kashan’s hospitals according to the number of beds. In each case care variables including age, sex, occupation, educational level, chief complaint, number of visits, method of payment and referral pattern were recorded.

Results: Of the patients studied, 350 (57%) were female and the remaining male. The mean age was 37.9 years and 75.2% were married, 20.2% had infectious diseases and the remaining had other afflictions. Self-referral was seen in 47.2% of the cases.

Conclusion: Based on these referral patterns and its effect of function of the health and treatment system, we suggest the shortcomings of the referral system be identified as soon as possible and step be taken to alleviate the problem.