How Refera Creates a Better Patient Experience (And Why This Matters)

A referral doesn’t just affect the GP and the specialist—it directly impacts the patient. When the process is complicated, inconvenient, or unclear, many patients simply don’t follow through. A poor referral experience often results in delayed or incomplete treatment, leading to worse health outcomes.

The Reality of a Paper Referral Experience

Imagine this scenario:

• A patient comes in for a routine checkup and is told they need a root canal.
• The GP hands them a paper referral slip.
• The patient feels overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next.
• Days pass, and they put off scheduling. Weeks turn into months.
• The pain subsides, and they never make the call.
• They never get the treatment they need.

Now consider a completely different experience with Refera—one that removes uncertainty and makes the referral process simple and stress-free.

How Refera Improves the Patient Experience

With Refera, patients are guided through the referral process in a way that makes scheduling easy and nearly automatic:

• The GP submits the referral digitally in under a minute.
• The patient receives an instant text message with their referral details.
• If they forget to schedule, they receive gentle, automated reminders.
• The specialist’s office can reach out proactively to answer any questions.
• The patient schedules their appointment without hassle and gets treated quickly.

Why This Matters

When patients have a better referral experience, they are 60% more likely to schedule their specialist appointment.

A seamless referral process means:

• No confusion about where to go or how to book.
• No lost paperwork or forgotten referrals.
• A reassuring, guided experience that leads to faster treatment.

A patient who follows through with their referral not only receives the care they need but also builds trust in both their GP and specialist. This leads to better relationships, improved health outcomes, and a more positive perception of your practice.

At the end of the day, referral management isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about ensuring patients get the care they need, without unnecessary stress or delays.

If your practice wants to improve the patient experience and increase referral follow-through, Refera is the solution.