GP referrals to hospital

[BuddysMum]

In many ways the health care system is very like that which we are used to in the UK. So the bits that are different catch us very much by surprise.

 

We had a bit of a shock last week. My son has been referred to a hospital in Rockhampton for out patient care which will last about two years (he is being desensitised to a severe grass allergy). Anyway, it seems that you get a referral from your GP as we would be familiar with. But in UK that's it. You are then under the care of the hospital until you are discharged by them.

 

However, over here, despite the fact that the hospital specialist is the one treating my son, and he is the one asking him to return at regular intervals, the referral "expires" after 12 months. Meaning that 12 months after the letter was written you have to go back to your GP and get another one. It's a very silly system in my opinion, but apparently you can't claim from Medicare if you don't have a current referral. We were able to see the Doctor last week only because the receptionist phoned the surgery and asked for another letter to be faxed.

 

Apparently, your GP can use the workds "ongoing care" in the referral which would mean that you don't need to run around for further letters.

 

Just thought it would help some of you to know this in advance as I had never heard of it before.:rolleyes:

[Guest Guest31881]

In many ways the health care system is very like that which we are used to in the UK. So the bits that are different catch us very much by surprise.

 

We had a bit of a shock last week. My son has been referred to a hospital in Rockhampton for out patient care which will last about two years (he is being desensitised to a severe grass allergy). Anyway, it seems that you get a referral from your GP as we would be familiar with. But in UK that's it. You are then under the care of the hospital until you are discharged by them.

 

However, over here, despite the fact that the hospital specialist is the one treating my son, and he is the one asking him to return at regular intervals, the referral "expires" after 12 months. Meaning that 12 months after the letter was written you have to go back to your GP and get another one. It's a very silly system in my opinion, but apparently you can't claim from Medicare if you don't have a current referral. We were able to see the Doctor last week only because the receptionist phoned the surgery and asked for another letter to be faxed.

 

Apparently, your GP can use the workds "ongoing care" in the referral which would mean that you don't need to run around for further letters.

 

Just thought it would help some of you to know this in advance as I had never heard of it before.:rolleyes:

 

Thats interesting and something I had not realised. My wife is being treated at brisbane womans and after 2 years we have never been asked to get another letter, must be marked as ongoing care! It is something to remember with future referals.

[airham]

In my experience I have only needed to get an annual renewal when being treated privately by a specialist.

However, once you have been referred (as in my case), to a Specialist Public Hospital outpatients department, they will continue treating until discharged, as in the UK, even if this is over several years (again as in my case).

It may be a requirement however, if you are being treated by a VMO (Visiting Medical Officer), who has private patient rights within a Public Hospital and you are paying to see him.

The Australian health system - trying to understand it is bad for your health!!!!

 

Regards

Rick

[Petals]

My daughter's cancer specialists treat her in a public hospital but they are also private specialists so she has to get a new referral evey 12 months.

 

My husband has a chronic ear condition and attends a specialist every six months for ever so he has been given a referral that never expires.