Forum Discussion
Indefinite referrals
I am just over 5 years since diagnosis. Both my oncologist and surgeon still see me each year. So I see one of them every 6 months. I have had an indefinite referral for my oncologist for 4 years but have always got a new referral each year for the surgeon. Last time my GP said “I’ll do an indefinite one this time to save you having to come in just for a referral each time”.I was happy with this.
So today I arrive for my surgeon review and hand over my referral. I have my visit and all is good, yay! Then I go to pay and make my next year’s appointment and the receptionist says you’ll need a new referral. I say that I thought my doctor wrote an indefinite one and the receptionist gets really weird and rude. Goes on to say that if I insist on using it then she won’t be able to put through the Medicare claim and I will have to go into Medicare myself and do the claim.
I have never had any trouble using the indefinite referral for the oncologist. They always put the claim straight through for me. The surgeon’s receptionist went on to be really ridiculous. She did not give me a card with my next appointment on and when I asked for one she carried on bizarrely insisting that she had already given me one. Her behaviour was really unnecessary and instead of leaving the appointment over the moon that I am still cancer free at 5 years I was completely rattled by her treatment of me.
Has anyone had trouble using an indefinite referral?
So today I arrive for my surgeon review and hand over my referral. I have my visit and all is good, yay! Then I go to pay and make my next year’s appointment and the receptionist says you’ll need a new referral. I say that I thought my doctor wrote an indefinite one and the receptionist gets really weird and rude. Goes on to say that if I insist on using it then she won’t be able to put through the Medicare claim and I will have to go into Medicare myself and do the claim.
I have never had any trouble using the indefinite referral for the oncologist. They always put the claim straight through for me. The surgeon’s receptionist went on to be really ridiculous. She did not give me a card with my next appointment on and when I asked for one she carried on bizarrely insisting that she had already given me one. Her behaviour was really unnecessary and instead of leaving the appointment over the moon that I am still cancer free at 5 years I was completely rattled by her treatment of me.
Has anyone had trouble using an indefinite referral?
23 Replies
- Thanks everyone. I now feel reassured that an indefinite referral should be acceptable. I have had a great relationship with my surgeon from day 1 of diagnosis. I will endeavour to sort out the issue with the receptionist today so I can move on and not let this hang over me anymore. Personally the fewer cancer related doctor visits that I have to have the better! Actually the fewer doctor visits fullstop the better ;)
- Hi @Deanne,
how very strange. I have and have had for quite some time an indefinte referral to my surgeon from my GP. Never had any issues and it is fantastic for the very reason you state, that I don’t have to keep going back to the GP to get one.
CONGRATS on 5 years that is AWESOME!
hugs
Paula - Thanks @primek. Those links are very helpful. :)
- Print this off and highlight the part about indefinite referrals.
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/subjects/referring-and-requesting-medicare-services#a2
Note also the 12 months (if your are on for something simple) starts from the date you are seen...not the date of referral.
Also link from AMA
https://ama.com.au/article/medicare-requirements-referrals-specialists-and-consultant-physicians
If you have to travel you can get a 2 years iptass or pats form also. - Congratulations on your 5 years Clear, @Deanne - that is FABULOUS!! (Only 4 and a half years to go for me! ;)
I think one of my specialists suggested the indefinite referral .... not sure which tho! (Brain Fog!)
All the best xxx - I should add that the indefinite referral was accepted for today’s appointment without a problem. It was when she said that I would need a new one for next year that the confusion started.
- I was wondering if it had something to do with what they can charge @Glemmis. She just did not want to put it down as an indefinite referral. She ended up saying I can think about it and let her know next year. I think it may mean that she will have to charge me more and I will not get as much back from Medicare. The difference she quoted was about the same as a visit to the GP anyway so I thought for the convenience of not needing to go back to the GP it would be fine with me. But I will request a clearer explanation. Thanks for your input. :)
- Hi @Deanne, great news for 5 years. I work for a Specialist but not the type where you would be followed up for more than a year so have never come across this. I don't know why she was rude to you but I think specialists don't like indefinite referrals because it means they can't charge the full rate for a new referral, they may only be able to charge for a review app. I have an indefinite referral to a dermatologist & have never been questioned. I always get a new referral for my surgeon & oncologist when it is due & never have to present it before hand. I guess they all have their own rules!
