::Writing a good referral letter ::

Writing the letter

Poor referrals reflect badly on you as a doctor and on your practice. A good letter should include the following:

•  Clear identification of patient including name, age, dob, sex, address and   NHS number

•  If this is a private referall make it clear at the start

•  Presenting problem

•  Brief Summary of history

•  Treatments already tried and how the patient responded

•  Results of investigations and details of pending investigations [to avoid duplication]

•  Expectations / reasons for referral are you looking for help with diagnosis? Does the patient need a specific treatment?

•  Current drug history you can get this automatically from the Clinical System

The length of the letter requires you to balance the need to provide enough information without becoming tedious to read, and not being so concise that you miss out important relevant information. Over time this balance becomes easier.

Finally

Check you haven't missed any key information, that the letter reads well and is signed, dated, and has your contact details.

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