E-referral – the way it works and the most important benefits for patients

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Electronic referrals are currently being piloted. In October last year, the technical stage of this service began, while patients were included in the pilot program on February 18, 2019. In the next stage, the service will be implemented throughout Poland. From January 1, 2021, only e-referrals will apply in Poland.

What are the benefits of e-referrals?

Electronic referral, as well as electronic prescription, are among the most important e-services introduced as part of the digitization of Polish healthcare. The main task of these projects is to be the efficient implementation of referrals. In addition, it will reduce errors and eliminate the problem of unreadable referrals. It will also save a lot of time for both doctors and patients. It is a convenient and practical solution. It will allow you to make better use of resources and monitor queues.

E-referrals – benefits for the patient

E-referrals have many advantages mainly for patients. First, you don’t have to deliver the e-referral in person. Thanks to this, you can save a lot of time. All you need is a phone call and remote registration. This solution will also reduce the problem of illegible referrals. Second, you can track your treatment history in the Patient Online Account. Electronic referral also increases safety. You don’t have to worry about losing it anymore. It will not fall into the wrong hands.

E-referrals – benefits for the medical worker

First of all, e-referral is easier and faster registration. The necessary data of the patient will be automatically collected when registering the electronic referral by the facility providing. The doctor does not have to sign the referral additionally. An electronic signature is enough. It is just as important as the handwritten signature. The doctor also has access to the patient’s medical history. He will find the necessary information in IKP.

Patient Internet Account – how to set up and use IKP?

How does e-referral work?

First, the doctor issues and digitally signs an electronic referral. Later, the patient will receive them by e-mail, SMS or in the form of an informative printout. He will receive a paper version when he does not have an Internet Patient Account (IKP). Importantly, the patient himself chooses the facility in which he wants to provide a given service. You can make an appointment in person or by phone. The location is anything you want. It is only important that the clinic or hospital take part in the piloting.

You will find a 4-digit code in the email or SMS. Please remember to provide it when registering. You can also ask your doctor for an informative printout. The person registering the e-referral will enter the patient’s PESEL number and a 4-digit code into the system. In this way, he can book the patient for an appointment, and the patient will then receive all the necessary information.

How do I get an e-referral?

Talk to an online specialist, find out the recommendations or continue treatment. Sign up for a specialist of your choice now and save your time. As part of POZ, you can also get access to free e-consultations with a family doctor at the National Health Fund by signing up to a telemedicine clinic via halodoctor.pl

How to get a referral by e-mail or SMS?

First, you need to create a trusted profile. You can do this online or at the office. For more information, visit pz.gov.pl. If you already have a trusted profile, you can log in to the Patient Online Account at patient.gov.pl. There you will be able to decide whether you want to get an e-mail referral by e-mail or text message.

What benefits will the e-referral be issued for?

The e-referral will be issued for the following benefits:

  1. outpatient specialist services financed from public funds;
  2. hospital treatment, provided that the hospital has a signed contract for the provision of healthcare services;
  3. research: computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine: publicly funded and other;
  4. magnetic resonance imaging (MR), gastrointestinal endoscopy, fetal echocardiography: publicly funded;
  5. positron emission tomography (PET): publicly funded.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.

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