Referral letter
A referral letter is a document written by a healthcare provider, such as a general practitioner (GP), to recommend a patient to another specialist or healthcare facility for further examination, diagnosis, or treatment. This letter contains essential information about the patient's medical history, the reasons for the referral, and any relevant test results or observations made by the referring doctor. The objective of a referral letter is to provide the specialist with a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition, ensuring seamless and effective continuity of care.
In Australia, referral letters are an integral part of the healthcare system, often necessary for patients to access specialist services that might not be available in general practice. Most specialists require a referral before seeing a patient, and sometimes, referrals are needed to claim Medicare benefits, which help cover some of the cost associated with specialist care. A well-crafted referral letter enables clear communication between healthcare practitioners, ultimately aiming to provide the patient with the best possible outcomes in their healthcare journey.
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