The C.L.O.S.E.D. Loop Framework

The C.L.O.S.E.D. Loop™

Here’s the exact acronym and wording we built and have been using consistently:

C — Created
A formal referral is created with a documented clinical reason and urgency.

L — Logged
The referral is captured in a system of record (not an inbox, not memory).

O — Opened
The receiving provider acknowledges receipt of the referral.

S — Scheduled
Patient scheduling status is documented (scheduled, declined, unreachable, etc.).

E — Executed
The encounter is completed or a valid exception is recorded.

D — Documented Back
Results or reports are returned to the referring provider — this is where the loop actually closes.

The core rule we paired with it:

If any step is missing, the loop is open — and Medicare considers that risk.