Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT.
The free service sees the Medical Specialists Directory integrated within HealthLink’s software so GPs can seamlessly search, select, and send electronic referrals to any private specialist in the directory.
Dr Ta Phengsiaroun from Hawker Medical Practice, ACT, succinctly summarises how he’s finding sending referrals through the new service: “It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s precise,” he says.
HealthLink lead technical analyst – customer support and deployment, Lawrence Peterson, explains how the new service is a game changer for GPs and specialists.
“GPs can now complete an e-Referral in one seamless process using a standardised form to refer to any private specialist in the directory. They can also attach relevant images and reports directly from the patient medical record, “Mr Peterson says.
“GPs can say goodbye to importing templates and using out-of-date local address books.”
He says a key feature is the ability to easily and clearly see which specialists can be referred to electronically.
The majority of specialists are live for electronic referrals. However, if a specialist is not live yet for electronic referrals, then the GP can still print off a manual referral to send.
The service is available using the main practice management systems (PMSs) Medical Director, Best Practice, Genie and Medtech via HealthLink. Please watch the short two-minute video about how to use it. You can also give it a go by sending a test referral to the fictitious specialist “Mickey Mouse”.
How SR e-Referrals are helping specialists
Similarly, specialists can receive the SR e-Referrals via their HealthLink account at no charge.
Shelley, the practice manager for foot, knee and ankle orthopaedic surgeon Dr Jacob Kaplan is impressed with the service.
“The new SR electronic referrals are convenient, they save front desk staff valuable time and we look forward to receiving more SR referrals electronically from GPs.”
All specialists registered with HealthLink are welcome to phone SR Specialists & Referrals on 1800 147 047 for a test referral to see how they are received into their software.
More specialists are registering with HealthLink daily to ensure they are also enabled for SR e-Referrals for all their consult locations.
Mr Peterson says HealthLink is planning to launch a portal soon for specialists who may not have a compliant PMS so they can access the referral through a web browser.
Working together to make e-Referrals a reality
HealthLink and Cervin Media, which has published the Medical Specialists Directory for the past 20 years, have worked together to deliver the new service.
HealthLink CEO Michelle Creighton says HealthLink is delighted to be partnering with Cervin Media to bring the service to Australian healthcare providers.
“The SR Specialists & Referrals solution will make it easier for GPs to refer patients to the best care possible. Not only will GPs save time, specialists will be provided with a higher-quality referral, which is better for the health outcome of patients,” she says.
Cervin Media general manager Dr Carmel Cervin says the current referral system in Australia is quite messy and fragmented and takes several time-consuming steps.
“The new service takes away that messiness, hassle and uncertainty with one seamless process that is intuitive and easy to use.”
“With the directory now online, it means we can update specialist’s information and details immediately and provide even more detailed information on specialist services and locations,” she says.
“We want to make life easier for GPs and specialists and help them take better care of their patients by offering a smooth, e-Referral process.”
Further info
Watch a short two-minute video that gives a quick overview of SR Specialists & Referrals.