〔Abstract〕 Objective To review and summarize the research status, hot topics, and study trends in medical referrals both domestically and internationally over the past decade. By conducting a comparative analysis of medical referral research between China and other countries, it seeks to provide insights for the development and construction of medical referrals in China. Methods Relevant literature on medical referrals from January 1, 2014, to November 24, 2023, was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WOS) core collection databases. VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was applied for visualizing and analyzing knowledge maps, including publication volume, country/region, authors, journals, and keywords. Results The study included 869 Chinese and 1491 English literature. Over the past decade, both domestic and foreign medical referral research has exhibited a steady upward trend in publication volume. Notably, Chinese authors, particularly led by Zhang Liang, formed a core group domestically, while internationally, Hui David emerged as a central figure. Foreign publications predominantly focused on clinical diseases, whereas domestic research concentrated on public health. High-frequency keywords in foreign literature included palliative care, diagnosis, and children, while domestic literature emphasized hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, bidirectional referrals, and medical alliances. Conclusion Over the past decade, both domestic and international medical referral research has seen a consistent increase in publications. The number of published annual papers is influenced by specific diseases, while domestic research is influenced by policies. Foreign research emphasizes clinical diseases, including palliative care and cancer. However, domestic research focuses on institutional construction and policy improvement.