Electronic Referrals (eReferral): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the electronic referral system works for healthcare professionals and what you need to use it.
eReferral is a digital system used to send patient referrals from one healthcare provider to another electronically to streamline the transition of care.
Who it's for
This system is designed specifically for healthcare practitioners, including General Practitioners (GPs) and various allied health professionals. It serves as a digital bridge between different types of medical providers to ensure patient information moves smoothly through the healthcare system.
What you get
The primary benefit of this system is the ability to process medical referrals digitally. Instead of relying on physical paper documents that can be lost or delayed, healthcare providers can use compatible clinical software to send and receive patient information. This digital approach is intended to make the referral process more efficient for both the practitioner and the patient.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee mentioned for using the scheme itself. However, there is a technical requirement: you must use compatible clinical software to participate in the digital referral process. The cost of maintaining and using this specific clinical software is the primary requirement for being able to utilize the eReferral system.
The catch to know
It is important to remember that the system is not yet universal across all medical practices. Because not all General Practitioners have adopted this digital system, you may still encounter traditional paper referrals. You should be prepared to handle both digital and paper-based workflows depending on the specific practice you are interacting with.
How to apply
- Verify that your current clinical software is compatible with the eReferral digital standard.
- Confirm that your practice's software settings allow for the electronic transmission of patient data.
- Consult with your local Primary Health Network if you need guidance on integrating this system into your practice.
- Ensure your staff is trained on the digital workflow to manage both electronic and manual paper referrals.