IM referral for homebirth

**Lily Dust** · April 2nd, 2013, 03:37 PM

The IM I have been seeing asked me to get a referral to 'her service' but I have been refused by all GPs who do obstetrics here. What does it mean exactly when a GP refuses to refer you an IM? Does it just mean you can not get any medicare rebates if they are available or something more?

The Drs reasoning was simply that they do not know the service, they do not know the midwives and if she were to write a referral and something went wrong it could be on her head as it was her recommendation that referred me there....

TIA

**Eenee** · April 2nd, 2013, 03:59 PM

Maybe ask her and ask her what GP's she recommends to get referral from.

Other than that I'm not sure as never had to have a referral.

**Cassius2** · April 2nd, 2013, 04:49 PM

is she meaning a collaborative agreement for the medicare rebate?

if so, she should also be able to offer some HB friendly GP/OBs...but you might have to travel a fair way to get the letter (never have to actually see the GP again after they signed the form etc).

**BellyBelly** · April 2nd, 2013, 04:52 PM

In Melbourne, MAMA in Flemington have this service - a GP works there who does referrals. I dont know of many others i'm afraid.

**PumpkinZulu** · April 2nd, 2013, 04:58 PM

We travelled a fair way from our home (on public transport) for a GP who would refer us to our midwife. It's a pain, but you only need to see them once for their signature...if you want the Medicare rebates that is.

**ladybirdflies** · April 2nd, 2013, 05:39 PM

Yes it's to get the medicare rebate for pre and post natal care only, not the birth. Get your midwife to go and meet a Dr with you, that's what I did and I got the referral. If you are happy to go without the rebate about $1000 you don't need to worry about getting a referral if you like.

Goodluck.

**Eenee** · April 2nd, 2013, 06:53 PM

I got the rebate but never had to get a referral.

**veus** · April 2nd, 2013, 09:20 PM

Are u in Melb lily dust? MAMA definitely has a GP there. I know of another practice in Melbourne north suburb that has at least a GP that would do so but maybe only for specific IMs. Feel free to PM me if u want details.

**Lily Dust** · April 4th, 2013, 12:17 PM

Are u in Melb lily dust? MAMA definitely has a GP there. I know of another practice in Melbourne north suburb that has at least a GP that would do so but maybe only for specific IMs. Feel free to PM me if u want details.

No, Im in very rural NSW unfortunately. If I lived a bit more city based I dont think I'd be meeting with the obstacles as intensely as I am.

Anyway, I have spoke to the IM and yes, it is just for medicare rebate for me, to get some cash back. As she doesnt as yet have the provider number the amount I could have gotten back would only be from about 34 weeks, so $110 for an entire pregnancy.

She could suggest nothing and basically said how disappointing for me. She has no GP to refer me to that she knows will sign in so Im just going to have a little think on this one.

The closest place that may be able to help is about 2 1/2 hours away but would need to find a GP that will before I go just making appointments and getting rejected again.

Thanks ladies

**HotI** · April 4th, 2013, 01:01 PM

Doesn't sound worth the hassle.

I'm sorry the GP won't help, and doesn't understand what a referral is. It is not their role to guarantee the services of another heath care professional. I wonder if she feels the need to investigate all of the hcps and hospitals before she will refer a patient to them, or if it just those wanting to have homebirths?

This is another example of how collaboration doesn't work.

**Cassius2** · April 4th, 2013, 01:50 PM

i'd call the other place ahead of going to make sure that someone is on board. but TBH if it will only save you $110 i probably would avoid it altogether...the looks and the judgement can be really gross and not worth it sometimes IMHO.