E-referral

An e-referral is a referral sent electronically from one healthcare provider to another. It carries clinical information to support assessment or treatment and may also appear in My Health Record where the relevant systems support this. Sending a referral does not automatically create an appointment or confirm that the receiving service has accepted it.

What information does it contain?

A referral may explain the reason for specialist input, relevant history, current treatment, allergies and investigation results. The precise content depends on the clinical question. Ask the referring clinician to include important reports that the receiving service will need.

An electronic format changes how the information travels, not the need for an appropriate clinical assessment. The doctor decides whether a referral is indicated and how urgent it should be. A referral cannot guarantee a particular diagnosis, treatment or waiting time.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: e-Referrals - Australian Digital Health Agency.

What should I do after it is sent?

Confirm which service received it and whether you need to contact them to book. Ask how you will know it has been accepted and what to do if you hear nothing. A message saying a document was sent is not the same as a confirmed appointment.

Check your contact details and keep a copy or reference if available. If you choose a different specialist, ask how the referral and supporting information should be redirected. Avoid sending sensitive documents through an unverified address or public messaging channel.

Does an e-referral guarantee a Medicare benefit?

No. Referral rules, service eligibility and billing arrangements still apply. Ask the receiving provider about fees and any expected rebate before attending. If symptoms worsen while you wait, contact a clinician for reassessment; a routine referral is not an emergency pathway.

See Doccio's referral service information for its current process. A doctor decides whether a referral is appropriate and whether you need examination or other care first.

Where to go next

Read referrals to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.