Do i need a referral to see my pediatrician?

[Nadine]

Just wondering if I would need a referral to see Kayla's pediatrician or can I just phone him and make an appointment?

It's regarding her flat spot on her head.

Thanks

[MistyFying]

Every paed I've seen has required a referral....

[Liz]

We had a follow up visit after the hospital which didn't need one, but after that I've had to get one. My OB actually did it for me when I had my checkup.

[Nadine]

Thanks ladies

Do I just get one from my GP? Can my ECHN give me one aswell?

[tiggy]

You need to get one from your GP. Ask for an ongoing referral, otherwise, you will have to get a renewal every twelve months.

[Nadine]

Thanks Tiff

One more question...do you know how long it takes before you can get in to see him? Is there a long waiting list?

I am a bit concerned about Kayla's head and want to get her seen to asap.

[Liz]

Probably depends on the paed. Our appointments always seem to be about 6 weeks waiting.

[tiggy]

Nadine,
I find with my paed, that if you explain what it's about and your concerns then you are able to get in sooner. Also, if you ask to be put on the cancellation list, if you can't get in soonish, they'll call you if something comes up.

[mooshie]

tiff

re the ongoing referrals - can you get them for all paed's?? just my ds sees a paed/allergy specialist for his allergies and it ****s me no end every 12mths to keep getting a referral from my gp, cause when i do the gp says they can manage his allergies but when they do the skin tests they can never tell me all the info like the specilaist - i just hate going to get the referral as i feel that the gp thinks i think they are not capable iykwim

thanks

[tiggy]

Hi Michelle,
Yep, all you have to do is ask for an ongoing referral. Don't forget GPs are business people too, they make money when you have to go in, even for a referral. I hate that too.
We had a problem up here when we needed a new referral from a GP up here for our paed of 10 years. The GP wouldn't write one unless he had seen all 7 kids !!!!!!!!
Our paed got around that though by phoning the old GP and getting an extention over the phone of his 12month referral. It is now ongoing.

[mooshie]

thanks for that tiff, i have made a note in my diary for next time i see the gp to get that ongoing referral