Although nearly 30% of Australians live in a rural or remote area, these people continue to experience poorer health outcomes than their metropolitan counterparts. Meanwhile, our dedicated rural and remote healthcare providers are working hard to address gaps created by geographical isolation – such as reduced access to primary care services and higher rates of hospitalisation, injury and death.
Technology plays a crucial role in supporting these providers to deliver high-quality, safe and timely care. By enabling clinicians to communicate and collaborate across the country, digital referrals can help enhance efficiency, improve access to and continuity of care, and support equitable health outcomes for all Australians – regardless of their postcode.
Reducing the impact of geographical barriers
For rural and remote healthcare providers, physical distance often means limited access to specialist care, delayed test results, and fragmented communication between primary care and hospitals. Digital referrals help eliminate these issues by creating seamless communication pathways.
Secure message delivery platform ReferralNet, for example, enables healthcare providers to send and receive referrals electronically, bypassing the delays and unreliability of traditional methods like fax and ‘snail mail’. This streamlined process ensures that critical patient information, such as test results or specialist appointments, can be accessed instantly by all parties involved.
With coverage across Australia, ReferralNet provides a vital link between urban and rural practitioners, helping patients in isolated areas to access the expertise they need.
Improving access to care
Timely referrals are critical if rural patients are to receive the care they need. Digital referrals can expedite the referral process, minimising the wait times often associated with traditional methods.
For example, a patient in a remote town needing specialist oncology care can have their records sent instantly to a metropolitan hospital via ReferralNet. The specialist can review the information and schedule the necessary appointments, reducing delays, unnecessary travel and time spent in uncertainty for the patient.
ReferralNet also enhances follow-up care by providing a centralised system where healthcare providers can track referral status and outcomes, helping to ensure no patient falls through the cracks.
Enhanced security and compliance
The Australia-wide upward trend in cybersecurity attacks and data breaches may be of particular concern in rural and remote areas, where access to secure infrastructure can be limited. ReferralNet helps overcome this issue by providing a reliable and compliant platform for digital communication.
ReferralNet prioritises the safety of sensitive patient information. With robust end-to-end encryption and adherence to Australian healthcare data regulations, the platform supports confidential and secure messaging.
Facilitating holistic care
Digital referrals promote an integrated approach to patient care, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers. By connecting general practitioners, specialists, allied health professionals, and hospitals, ReferralNet helps create a cohesive healthcare network.
This holistic approach helps ensure that patients in rural and remote Australia receive consistent, high-quality care throughout their healthcare journey, from diagnosis to treatment and follow up.
ReferralNet – Australian-made for Australian healthcare providers
With over 20,000 users already and that number growing daily, here’s why ReferralNet is the secure messaging platform of choice for healthcare professionals – including many providing care in rural and regional Australia.
Payload agnostic for maximum flexibility
One of ReferralNet’s standout features is its payload agnostic capability. This means it can handle almost all file types, from simple PDFs and Word documents to complex and data-heavy imaging files like X-rays or MRIs.
This flexibility is invaluable in rural settings where healthcare providers often need to send and receive diverse file types. Whether it’s sharing diagnostic imaging, specialist reports, or patient histories, ReferralNet ensures all critical information is transferred securely and efficiently.
Affordable options for practices of all shapes and sizes
ReferralNet integrates seamlessly with several clinical software solutions, including our sister solutions MasterCare, HotHealth and PrimaryClinic, plus many other platforms.
Don’t have access to advanced clinical software? Digital referrals are still within your reach with the affordable options on offer through our sister company MasterCare+.
With plans starting at just $15 per month, providers can access the Secure Messaging portal to send referrals electronically. This low-cost entry point enables even small practices and solo practitioners to experience the benefits of digital referrals.
Built to grow with you
All our solutions are scalable and designed to grow in line with the needs of your practice.
View our pricing options or get in touch with a product specialist to discuss which package will be best suited to your needs.