Every specialist department has its own criteria for acceptance. If criteria are strict they are usually embedded in eReferrals e.g. cataract and bariatric surgery. Information can be found on Auckland Regional Health Pathways on Primary Care management of conditions and indications for referral to Secondary Care.

Many conditions can be appropriately managed in general practice. Assistance is sought from the hospital (secondary care) when appropriate. Phone advice is encouraged.

A referral for an opinion without the patient necessarily being seen, known as a virtual consult, is acceptable.

A well penned informative referral to secondary care makes prioritising the case more efficient and the time the patient waits more appropriate. If cancer is suspected make sure the referral highlights this.

All referrals are via the Care Connect e-referrals system.
Acute referrals are still made by a phone call to the appropriate service and submitting an Acute Admission e referral.

All faxing has ceased.

The ED department at Auckland now has a new acute assessment area where GP referrals are seen and chronic or subacute conditions that come to ED are seen, leaving ED to manage emergencies.

We now have a GP skin lesion removal service for suitable patients to have their surgery performed by qualified GPs in the community. This is a regional service with Waitemata and Counties. Referrals are made to your District hospital headed Skin Lesion Service. When using eReferrals choose "Skin lesions" in the search.  

Healthpoint is your one stop website for information on hospital services and referral requirements.

Auckland Regional Health Pathways have comprehensive advice on the investigation and management of conditions in primary care. They can be accessed on line or via your patient management system e.g. Medtech or MyPractice.

Communication with primary care is now made through one portal called Medinz. This should be installed at your practice and you can personally decide how to receive notifications.

www.adhb.health.nz