If a patient with rheumatic heart disease received a referral form but has not scheduled an appointment, how can they confirm whether the referral is still valid?

Contact the receiving hospital, provide the date the referral was issued, the referred department, and the appointment details, and ask whether there is an expiration date or additional information required. If an update is needed, contact the original referring facility. A valid referral does not mean the original care plan is always appropriate for the current situation; if the patient's condition has changed, they should also inform medical staff and ask them to reassess the timing of care.