Medical referrals between hospitals: how do they work?

What is a medical referral?

A referral is a formal request from the treating doctor to transfer the patient to another facility or specialty, whether for an appointment at a specialist clinic, for admission, or in emergencies that need advanced care.

What is the Ehalati programme?

Ehalati is an electronic Ministry of Health programme for coordinating patient referrals between healthcare facilities. It lets doctors at different facilities consult on a patient's case without moving them, organizes the procedures for transferring a patient from one facility to another, and keeps a record of referred cases. The cases it handles include emergencies, admissions, clinic appointments and life-saving cases.

How does a referral usually work?

1. Your treating doctor assesses your condition and decides whether a referral is needed.
2. The referral request is sent with the necessary reports to the receiving facility.
3. The receiving facility reviews the request and decides on acceptance and priority according to the case.
4. You are notified of the appointment, or your transfer is arranged.

Tips for following up on your referral

• Ask your doctor to explain the reason for the referral and the specialty required.
• Keep a copy of your reports, scans and lab results.
• Make sure the mobile number in your file is correct so you receive notifications.
• For questions about a referral or to give feedback, you can contact the 937 centre.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the hospital I am referred to?

It depends on the type of condition, the regulations in place and the available capacity. Discuss your options with your treating doctor.

How long does a referral take?

It varies according to medical priority: emergency and life-saving cases are given priority, while clinic appointments may take longer.

Do I need a referral with private health insurance?

It depends on your insurance policy and its provider network. Check your policy or contact your insurer before your visit.

Where does HealTrip fit in?

HealTrip is building SOS emergency coordination andFamily profile services to help you organize this information in advance, so that it complements 997 and never replaces it.