Referrals
Our Practice Manager, Naomi has sat down to explain everything you need to know about referrals.
Referrals can be confusing and can seem like an inconvenience, however, they are not only a Medicare requirement, they are beneficial to you (the patient), and your specialist.
Medicare legislation requires that a patient is referred to Associate Professor Kristopher Rallah-Baker by an approved Referring practitioner.
Why is a referral required?
There are many reasons as to why a referral is required, and how it benefits you and your upcoming appointment.
Each referral that we receive is triaged by our doctor and clinical team to determine:
How urgent the appointment is
Any relevant health issues and conditions
What is required for your appointment
This information helps our team to then determine the cost, length, and requirements for each patient we see. A valid referral also ensures that a patient receives their Medicare rebate.
Referrals have different expiration periods depending on where the referral was obtained.
If you get a referral from your GP or Optometrist, the referral is valid for 12 months (from the date of issue). A referral from another Specialist is only valid for 3 months (from the date of issue).
If you need yearly appointments, a new referral is required for each visit if it has expired.
If you are unsure if your referral is still valid, please call our clinic and our friendly staff are happy to help answer this for you.
Referrals must include the following:
Date;
Patient first and last name;
Date of birth;
Reason for referral;
Referring Practitioner name;
Referring Practitioner provider number;
Medical history (if possible); and
Current and past Medication history (if possible).
Please be mindful that it is the patient’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current referral. Medicare forbids our staff to get a referral on the Patient’s behalf.
What happens once you get a referral?
Please see the step-by-step instructions below:
Your referral is sent to Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists at Noosa
Generally the receptionist from the GP / Optometrist / Specialist rooms will send your referral to us electronically. It can also be posted to our rooms, or a hard copy is handed to the patient to bring to us.
Your referral is triaged
Our wonderful clinical team triaged by our doctor and clinical team to determine the urgency of your appointment.
Our staff will contact you
Our helpful Receptionists will be in touch to arrange an appointment and run through appointment information; costs, length of the appointment, our location etc.
Referral questions?
We have a team of friendly and helpful staff who are happy to help answer your Referral questions. Please call our office on 07 5470 2400 if you need assistance.
If you would like further Referral information, please visit the AMA website.