More than 340 specialist referrals declined at DHB

More than 340 referrals for specialist assessment were declined at the South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB) in the second half of 2015.

New figures released by the Ministry of Health show the number of referrals received by DHB’s between July and December 2015 for publicly funded First Specialist Assessments.

The figures show that over that period, the SCDHB received 3958 referrals. Of those, 349 were declined.

A First Specialist Assessment is an appointment between a patient and specialist where the specialist assesses their condition and recommends the best care for them. The need for that assessment is assessed by a clinician.

The clinician then makes a decision about whether the patient requires an assessment by considering their level of need and the benefit in comparison to others. The clinician can decide whether to accept, decline or transfer the referral, or defer the decision and request more tests.

Of the 349 referrals declined by the SCDHB, 292 were declined because they fell below the required threshold. Three were declined because there was insufficient information, six were declined because they were not eligible, and 48 were declined because the service was not required.

Chief medical officer Dr Steve Earnshaw said assessments could be declined for many reasons.

‘‘For example someone may be referred for surgery for arthritis but it may be deemed that the patient would be better served by attending our physio programme instead.

‘‘This is much safer for the patient and where appropriate has better patient outcomes.’’

There were legitimate reasons for why a First Specialist Assessment may be declined, he said. ‘‘It is not true to assume that with unlimited funding 100 per cent of assessments would be accepted.’’