GPs under training over referrals
Adult personal physicians of the General Health System (GHS) are undergoing training for issuing referrals to specialists, as organized by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO). The training is based on clinical referral guidelines prepared for 21 health conditions/diagnoses, providing specific indications for when to refer to a specialist. These guidelines aim to support proper clinical practice and create a common reference for issuing referrals. The training also covers categorizing referrals as ‘urgent’ or ‘routine’ to reduce waiting lists, with guidance on when urgent referrals are needed. The seminars, which started recently and will continue until June, are conducted online and include 5 thematic units. Physicians receive accreditation for participating, which contributes to their compensation. The GHS is also working to prepare and enrich clinical referral guidelines for additional health conditions in collaboration with specialist doctors’ scientific societies. The current guidelines were prepared with input from personal physicians and other experts.