I recently had to revisit my ear, nose and throat specialist due to a persistent ear problem. I hadn’t seen him for 18 months so of course I had to get a fresh referral from my GP.
Why?
It seems to me that the (fortunately bulk-billed) appointment was a waste of time and taxpayer money. Surely there’s a better system.
Does that process annoy you? Is there a better way?
When you need a referral to a specialist whom you expect to see again in your life-time, ask your GP for a on-going/indefinite/perpetual referral as it is never-ending.
I have a few of these for my oncologist and radiotherapist (regular 6-monthly check-ups) and my ophthalmologist (annual check-ups).
No harm done if you never need them again, but always on record in your specialist file if you do!
“…What is an indefinite referral?
An indefinite referral is a referral that doesn’t have an end date. These types of referrals are generally reserved for patients who have illnesses or health requirements that need the ongoing management and care of a specialist…”
Unfortunately not all specialist rooms accept indefinite referrals. My partner has asked at multiple rooms and the answer is no, you must get a yearly one. He only had one specialist who would accept an indefinite referral.
That is unfortunate, Rhonda! 🙁
But… you could be prepared. When your partner’s referral is getting close to expiring – within months, not weeks – ask for another from your GP when, say, he gets a script, to avoid an extra visit, if possible.
Or… unless you can’t do without that specialist, find a new one to does accept indefinite referrals.
Good luck! 🙂
Trouble is that specialists can charge a higher “initial visit” charge for each new referral, whereas the indefinite referral does not not attract a higher fee.
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