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How to write a referral to a dermatologist
Learning objectives
Introduction
Referral form
Learning objectives
- Complete a referral form according to the requirements of the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
- Write a dermatological case history
- Describe dermatological examination findings
Introduction
A patient presents with a skin complaint. You decide to refer the patient to a dermatologist for further management. In this exercise, you will complete a standardised referral form to the local hospital's skin clinic.
Referral form
The New Zealand Ministry of Health requires standard referral forms to have the following minimal information.
- Patient details: full name (and any alias) and if appropriate the name of the parent or caregiver, address, telephone number (home and alternative), date of birth, ethnicity
- GP details: name, address, telephone number of referred doctor
- Patient hospital number (NHI)
- Accident status and claim number (if ACC)
- Reason for referral (in line with referral guidelines)
- Presenting symptoms and duration
- Past history, details of previous treatment, current, medications
- Details of previous radiological and other investigations
- Physical findings
- Recent test results and relevant old ones (dated)
- Associated medical conditions that may affect treatment
- Relevant details of social circumstances
- Associated drug allergies
- GP diagnosis
- GP assessment of urgency, loss of function, pain
Activity
Write a referral for a woman in her mid-20s that suffers from moderate psoriasis. She is severely depressed and takes various relevant medications.
Page 11 of 11. End of course. Back to: Principles of dermatological practice course contents.
Related information
References:
On DermNet NZ:
Other websites:
- Guidelines for referral and assessment of patients. Ministry of Health
Books about skin diseases:
See the DermNet NZ bookstore