OSHC STUDENTS

banner image
04 | 11 | 22
642 views
04
11 | 22
2522
642

What is a referral?

OSHCstudents – A referral is a written request from one health professional to another health professional or health service, asking them to diagnose or treat you for a particular condition.

What does a referral do?
A referral provides information about you and your condition so that:

  • the person you are being referred to does not have to ask so many questions
  • they are aware of relevant background information
  • they know exactly what they are being asked to do
  • A referral is also used to indicate that the consultation or test you are being referred for is clinically important, and that Medicare should cover at least part of the cost.

When might I need a referral?
Your health professional might refer you to someone else if:

  • they believe you need expertise that the other person has
  • they believe you need treatment that the other person can give
  • they believe you need specialised tests or investigations

For example, someone with pregnancy complications may be referred to an obstetrician, or a person with cancer may be referred to an oncologist and surgeon.

You are likely to need a medical referral or request to:

  • see a specialist
  • get x-rays or use other diagnostic imaging services
  • use pathology services, such as blood tests

What information does a referral include?
The referral should include:

  • relevant clinical information
  • the date of the referral
  • the signature of the referring practitioner

You can choose the individual specialist you want to be referred to or ask your doctor to recommend someone. The doctor can address it to a particular person or make a general referral without using the name of the specialist (for example, addressing it to ‘Dear psychiatrist’.)

How long does a referral last?
Most referrals from general practitioners (GPs) to specialists are limited to 12 months. They should cover a single course of treatment for the condition you are being referred for. The referral covers all the visits to the specialist for that condition.

If you need continuing care, such as for a chronic (continuing) health condition, the GP can write a referral beyond 12 months or for an indefinite period. If you develop a new condition, you will need a new referral for that condition.

Referrals from specialists and consultant physicians to other specialists are limited to 3 months unless the patient is admitted to hospital.

Who can make a referral?
Referrals can be made by doctors, dentists and certain allied health professionals — nurse practitioners, midwives, physiotherapists, osteopaths, optometrists and psychologists.

Some services can only be ordered by a particular specialist. For example, you may need a referral by a specialist for certain types of MRI scans.

How do I get a referral?
Make an appointment with your GP or doctor and ask them to write you a referral. You can discuss your needs with them, and they can properly assess you.

This helps to ensure that the referral contains the information the other health practitioner needs.

Getting a second or further opinion
If you are unhappy with a diagnosis or feel there might be better treatment options, do not be afraid to ask your doctor to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion.

What happens if you visit a specialist without a referral?
Many specialists will still see you, although some might not. But Medicare will not cover any costs if you visit a specialist without a referral.

Sharing information and privacy
The referring doctor or health professional will provide the specialist with as much information about your condition as they think is needed. Once the specialist has seen you, they will in turn send details of your recommended treatment back to the doctor or health professional who referred you. All your medical information is regarded as private and confidential.

If you are uncomfortable with this, talk to your referring doctor or health professional.

OSHCstudents (source: healthdirect)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

News related

Things are not covered by OSHC in Australia 24/10/2023 | 584 Views

Things are not covered by OSHC in Australia

OSHCstudents-Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students in Australia, and it provides coverage for a range of medical services. The specific coverage may vary slightly depending on the insurance provider and policy, but here are some common aspects of what is typically not covered by OSHC.
How to maintain a healthy diet as an international student in Australia? 22/10/2023 | 429 Views

How to maintain a healthy diet as an international student in Australia?

OSHCstudents-Embarking on an international academic journey is an exciting and enriching experience, but it often comes with unique challenges, including maintaining a healthy diet. As an international student in Australia, the unfamiliarity with local food options, budget constraints, and the temptation of fast food can sometimes make it a daunting task to prioritize nutrition. In this guide, we will explore practical tips and insights to help you navigate the Australian culinary landscape, make informed food choices, and ensure that your time as an international student is not only academically rewarding but also a journey towards a healthier you.
Baek Ah Yeon

I trust Allianz Care since it is one of the largest insurance companies in Australia, with the medical centres where I only have to pay for what is left from insurance support. (no need to claim later). Besides, those centres are located at the centre of the city, close to schools. Very convenient, right? Credits to Allianz Care for providing reliable medical centres for health check and treatments.

Baek Ah Yeon | University of Queensland

Ariella Pei

I’ve been living with homestay family for 2 years. I’m now 19, I can move out but I don’t want to leave my host, who has become my family. It feels like I’ve met my second family. Thanks OSHCstudents for sending me to this homestay!

Ariella Pei | University of Canberra

Chatchawat Paton

I realised how important insurance was when I started living in Australia. There I switched to using Allianz Care instead of the previous service. Allianz Care is extraordinarily good in its consulting service and customer care. I’ve learned a lot about Australian health care, also I was consulted with mental issues and how to live a healthy lifestyle. I am very happy now.

Chatchawat Paton | Torrent University

Phuong Anh

Having lived in Australia for 2 years, I’ve been reliant on AHM OSHC to pay for my health care, which supports me for other expenses. Last year, I sent my claim requests for several times and always received the claims within two days. Everything is easy, fast and simple.

Phuong Anh | Victoria University

Xiaoyu Cheng

Thanks to Allianz Care, every time I claimed my medical receipts it processed much more quickly and easily than I expected. I was initially a bit concerned since Allianz Care is more expensive than other insurance companies, but now I can ensure that it is totally worth the money.

Xiaoyu Cheng | Monash University

Emma

My homestay was very comfortable and convenient. My host was really kind. He showed me where to shop, which buses to catch, where the nearest train station is, to get off at which station so that I wouldn’t be taken to another suburb. Travelling was easy since the place was close to public transports. It only took 30 minutes to get to my college, actually I could go anywhere easily!

Emma | Macquarie University

Jing Zhang

When told that I was going to live with an Italian family, I was pretty nervous and doubted whether or not they could speak English well as the local people? Yet it was no longer a problem when I saw them. They knew the problems of people who first came to Australia and always tried to help me. I learned so many things about both Australian and Italian culture and enjoyed tasty Italian meals every time. Awesome!

Jing Zhang | Griffith University

OSHCstudents Services

Partners

  • PTE Platform
  • Inus
  • Flywire
  • Imagine Education Australia
  • Shorelight
  • Opera City English College

Providers

  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • King Education
  • North Sydney College English
  • NIB
  • HCC
  • Global Experience
  • Bupa
  • Vodafone
  • OVHC Iman
  • Allianz
  • Medibank
  • AHM