A ground-breaking new e-Referral service called SR Specialists & Referrals has launched in Victoria and Tasmania.
The free service sees the Medical Specialists Directory available online and integrated within HealthLink’s software so GPs can seamlessly search, select and e-Refer to any private specialist in the directory.
The trusted directory is used by most GPs to search for private specialists and will still be available in hard copy to give GPs a choice of how they’d like to view it.
By moving the directory online and linking it with HealthLink’s e-Referral software, GPs will save precious time and have peace of mind knowing their referral has made it quickly and securely to the selected specialist with all the relevant, legible information.
Health IT company HealthLink and Cervin Media, which has published the Medical Specialists Directory for the past 20 years, have worked together to deliver the new service.
Standardised form for all e-Referrals
HealthLink lead tech, customer support and deployment, Lawrence Peterson says the new service is a game changer for GPs and specialists.
“GPs can now do 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 within the patient medical record.
“GPs can say goodbye to importing templates and using out-of-date local address books,” he says.
A key feature of the integration is the ability to easily and clearly see which specialists can be referred to electronically.
The service is available to GPs using the two main practice management systems (PMSs), Medical Director and Best Practice via HealthLink. Similarly, specialists can receive the e-Referrals via their HealthLink account.
Mr Peterson says HealthLink is planning to launch a portal soon for the specialists who may not have a compliant PMS so they can access the referral through a web browser.
There are plans to roll the service out next to New South Wales and ACT, and then finally nationwide.
Seamless, intuitive process
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.”
Dr Cervin says the majority of specialists in the directory can be referred to electronically. However, if a specialist can’t be, the GP can still search and view them online and then print off a manual referral to send.
“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.”
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.