An electronic referral to a doctor or e-referral is a digital document that is issued by a doctor to a patient in other medical institutions to obtain additional examinations necessary for further treatment.
The referral is issued by the doctor who decides on the need for additional examination – laboratory testing, consultation, etc. It can be prescribed by both medical specialists and primary care physicians.
How much is an electronic referral to a doctor really in Ukraine in 2024 – read in the ICTV Facts material.
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What is an electronic referral to a doctor
From January 1, 2021, healthcare institutions switched to electronic document management and began issuing electronic referrals to patients.
If during a consultation the doctor prescribes additional examinations for the patient, then he must create an appropriate referral. In turn, the patient can independently choose the medical institution where he plans to seek advice, regardless of his place of registration or residence. The main thing is that the medical institution has an agreement with the NHSU in the appropriate area of assistance.
To issue an electronic referral to a patient, the doctor must make an entry in the electronic healthcare system and indicate in it:
- Number of entry in the register of medical records;
- Date and time of entry in the register;
- Age and gender of the patient.
E-direction is not required for such specialists:
- pediatrician;
- dentist;
- phthisiatrician;
- psychiatrist;
- gynecologist;
- narcologist.
Emergency and emergency care is provided to a person without an electronic referral. Also, it is not necessary for a doctor whose patient is under medical supervision with chronic diseases.
Please note! In Ukraine, during martial law, there are two types of directions. The doctor can make either an electronic or paper referral if the electronic health system is not working or there is no access to the Internet or power supply.
How long is an electronic referral to a doctor valid 2024
In Ukraine, the electronic direction is valid for one year from the date of its creation . However, experts advise adhering to the required deadlines for undergoing an examination or obtaining specialist advice. There is no point in postponing your visit until later.
Electronic referrals are stored in the system indefinitely. It is impossible to delete or make changes to them. If an error was made in the record, the doctor can create a new record with corrections. In this case, the old one will need to be recalled indicating the reason.
If the validity of the referral has expired, the patient needs to see a doctor and get a new one. Medical services for a referral whose validity has expired are not provided.
