Entering Referral Details
Specialists
A referral is required for most specialist services. A referral can be Standard, Non-Standard or Indefinite
A standard referral by default is for a period of 12 months from a GP or 3 months from another specialist, unless it’s for an admitted patient. Referrals from another specialist for admitted patients are valid for 3 months or for the duration of admission, whichever is longer.
Only use non-standard when the referring GP has specified a different period.
Rarely a GP referral can be indefinite where a patient needs continuing care for a specified chronic condition.
You should almost always use a standard referral with a start date in the appropriate timeframe. The referral starts from the date the specialist first meets the patient, not the date issued.
Anaesthetists
Generally, in-patient services can have a referral type of Hospital. The exception is referred consultations such as item 17640 which needs standard referral details.
Assistant surgeons
Assistants are not required to enter referral details because
there has not been a referral.
Allied Health
Out of hospital treatment may need referral details
Entering referral details
- On the drop-down list for Ref. Type, select one of the top three options (Standard, Non-Standard, Indefinite).
- Enter the Issue Date. The software will auto-calculate the referral Period and display as a number of months.
Note that Medicare no longer requires a "From" date, they automatically determine the validity period of the referral from the initial service date. - Select a referring doctor from the Referred By drop-down list.
To view or edit your list of referrers click on the GoTo icon to the left
Lost, stolen or destroyed referrals
A written referral that is lost, stolen or destroyed is valid for only one attendance by the patient. You must get a valid referral before you can bill any subsequent services.