When doctors in the United States refer patients to specialty or post-acute medical care such as physical therapy or long-term nursing care, nearly half never complete the process of finding help. Referrals stall in part because provider directories are outdated, insurance coverage is unclear, and much coordination still relies on phone calls and faxes. Carenector, a Denver-based startup launched in 2024, is working to improve the process with software that quickly connects patients with appropriate care providers while protecting their personal data. Instead of presenting a long list of providers, many of whom would not be a good match, the company’s referral platform uses AI to eliminate facilities that don’t meet the patient’s rehabilitation needs, don’t accept the patient’s insurance, or are not conveniently located.…