Spanish Phrase
Tengo una derivación de mi médico.
Meaning
Literally, 'I have a referral from my doctor.' It tells the listener that a medical professional has given you official permission to see a specialist, undergo tests, or receive a particular treatment.
When to use
Use this sentence at a clinic, hospital reception, pharmacy, or when speaking with insurance staff to explain why you are presenting a referral document.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengounaderivacióndemimédico.
Tengo (verb tener)
First‑person singular present of 'tener', used to express possession or a state.
una (indefinite article)
Feminine singular indefinite article, matches the noun 'derivación'.
derivación (noun)
Medical term meaning 'referral' – a document that lets you see a specialist or get tests.
de (preposition)
Introduces the source of the referral; here it links the referral to the doctor.
mi (possessive adjective)
Shows ownership; 'my' doctor.
médico (noun)
General word for 'doctor' (as a professional, not a specific specialty).
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes la referencia para el cardiólogo?
Do you have the referral for the cardiologist?
Sí, tengo una derivación de mi médico.
Yes, I have a referral from my doctor.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo una referencia de mi médico.
While 'referencia' can be understood, 'derivación' is the precise medical term for a referral.
Tengo una derivación por mi médico.
The preposition 'de' indicates the source; 'por' would suggest the referral was made on behalf of the doctor, which sounds odd.
Tengo una derivación de mi doctor.
'Doctor' is acceptable, but 'médico' is the more universally understood term across all Spanish dialects.
↔Alternatives
Tengo una referencia de mi médico.
I have a reference from my doctor.
Me han dado una derivación de mi médico.
They have given me a referral from my doctor.
Cuento con una derivación de mi doctor.
I have a referral from my doctor.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the word 'derivación' is the standard term used in hospitals and clinics. In some regions, especially in informal speech, people may say 'referencia' or simply 'carta del doctor'. The phrase is neutral in register, but keep it formal when speaking with medical staff.