In 2023, improvements were made to BC’s referrals process with the introduction of implicit (implied) referrals. This now means re-referrals from family physicians are no longer needed for subsequent consultations for the same issue.
This change has reduced administrative burdens for referring physicians, specialists, and MOAs.
In addition, here are some other key points about implicit referrals in BC:
- Automatic inclusion when a patient is initially referred to a specialist, allowing for subsequent consultations for the same issue without a new referral unless the referring doctor explicitly excludes it.
- Saves time for patients as they no longer need to repeatedly return to their family doctor for new referrals for chronic conditions.
- By facilitating easier access to longitudinal care by specialists, implied referrals can lead to improved patient experience and outcomes.
You and your MOA can learn more about implicit referrals by clicking HERE.