The referral letter and the reply letter
When a GP/ family doctor refers a patient to a consultant, he/she will write a letter of referral, on the doctor's headed paper, in which details are given about the patient's presenting complaint, medical history, family history, clinical findings, test results, and prior treatment so that the consultant has as much information as possible to provide the appropriate care.
Such letters should be structured clearly with headings so that the consultant will find the relevant information easily.
The expressions highlighted in the letter below are standard and can be used almost systematically in this type of letter.
Dr Albert Winterbottom, MDMD = Doctor of Medicine 22 July, 2012 Dr Henry Wolf, MD Dear Dr Wolf, I am referring toto refer a patient to another doctor = to send him/her to another doctor (usually a specialist / consultant), hence the expression a referral letter. you a patient of mine, Mr Truman, 75 years old, for suspected heart disease. Social history: Medical / surgical history: Current treatment: Family history: Clinical examination: Thank you in advance for attending toto attend to a patient = to look after / to take care of a patient my patient. Yours sincerely, Dr Albert Winterbottom, MD
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