The Request For Referral Letter is a fundamental document in the Australian healthcare system that enables coordinated patient care between different healthcare providers. It is typically used when a general practitioner or other healthcare provider needs to refer a patient to a specialist, consultant, or other healthcare service for additional expertise or treatment. The document must contain comprehensive patient information, clinical details, and the specific reason for referral, while adhering to Australian privacy laws and healthcare regulations. This referral letter serves multiple purposes: it provides essential medical information to the receiving healthcare provider, establishes a valid pathway for Medicare benefits where applicable, and ensures continuity of patient care. The format and content requirements are influenced by professional medical standards, Medicare guidelines, and state/territory health regulations.

1. Recipient Details: Full name, practice details, and contact information of the specialist or healthcare provider being referred to

2. Patient Information: Patient's full name, date of birth, contact details, Medicare number, and any relevant healthcare identifiers

3. Referral Purpose: Clear statement of the primary reason for referral and level of urgency

4. Clinical Information: Current presenting problems, relevant symptoms, and duration

5. Current Medications: List of all current medications, including dosages and duration

6. Relevant Medical History: Summary of pertinent past medical history related to the referral

7. Investigation Results: Summary of relevant test results and investigations performed

8. Current Management: Overview of current treatment approach and interventions

9. Referring Doctor Details: Full name, practice details, provider number, and contact information of the referring doctor