self-referral. Physician self-referral Health industry The referral by a physician to a health facility–eg, imaging center at which he/she has a financial interest, but no professional responsibility. See Fee-splitting, Joint venture, Kickback, 'Safe harbor' rules.Cf Physician referral, Referral.elf-referral. Physician self-referral Health industry The referral by a physician to a health facility–eg, imaging center at which he/she has a financial interest, but no professional responsibility. See Fee-splitting, Joint venture, Kickback, 'Safe harbor' rules.