Self-Referral Guidelines

Patient Self-Referral for Scans – Darcy Healthcare Guidelines

To ensure you undergo the most appropriate test and the correct type of scan, in some instances we will require a formal referral from your GP or clinician. We are only able to accept self-referral requests from patients aged 18 or over.

At Darcy Healthcare we accept self-referrals for the specific categories below. If in doubt, please contact us on 03308 189 300.

Please read our self-referral information below before clicking on the relevant form. Once the form is fully completed, it will be vetted by one of the team before our bookings team contacts you to arrange an appointment or request further information.

Self-referral information

Increasingly, patients are seeking healthcare options that provide faster, easier, and more convenient access to medical services. One of the options is for patients to self-refer for diagnostic scans. The option provides a solution to the twin problems of prolonged waiting times for initial clinician assessment and for diagnostic tests that could lead to delays in diagnosis. Self-referral offers patients greater control of their own healthcare and reduces the anxiety of waiting for scans.

Traditionally, patients would undergo a clinical/medical assessment before referral for a scan or treatment. The clinical assessment and evaluation would ensure that the appropriate scan and treatment are carried out. Scanning without the initial evaluation could lead to important medical conditions being missed. The clinical evaluation also allows the correct scan protocol to be applied that would answer the clinical question raised. It mitigates the risk of inadequate imaging, which could miss vital information leading to incorrect diagnosis. Particularly with MRI scanning, there is a risk that patients may self-refer but are unsuitable to undergo the test, for example have metallic implants, leading to unnecessary delays in care and the need to seek alternative options. Without the initial clinical evaluation, there is also the risk of unnecessary exposure to intravenous contrast agents or inappropriate exclusion of intravenous contrast agents.

Darcy Healthcare recognises the Royal College of Radiologists Clinical Imaging Board position statement on self-referral for MRI examination published in August 2021.

At Darcy Healthcare we are taking a considered view in this regard, balancing the need for easier access to diagnostic tests and the risks from self-referral described above. We take the view that in some clinical scenarios, patients for particular types of scans of certain scan areas can self-refer, with systems in place to mitigate the risks.

Patients who wish to refer themselves for MRI and Ultrasound scans, will be informed of and should agree to the following, prior to proceeding with a self-referral booking:

Scans will be offered only to patients aged 18 and above
The patient should complete a self-referral form
An MRI safety questionnaire should be completed at the time of booking
The patient must be registered with a GP or a responsible clinician to whom a copy of the report will be sent. This is to ensure continuity of care and appropriate management. Scans will not be carried out if this information is not provided.
All self-referral forms should be checked and protocolled by a qualified Darcy Healthcare Radiologist.
Examples of where self-referral for scans is considered appropriate – MRI scanning of elbows, knees, wrists, shoulders, hips, or ankles following an injury. MRI scanning of the spine could be carried out in certain clinical scenarios with safety net consultation provided by Darcy Healthcare clinician, following MRI scan and radiologist assessment
MRI and ultrasound scans may on occasion identify unexpected abnormalities which may or may not require further investigation. The patient’s GP or responsible clinician will be informed of the findings to ensure appropriate further investigation, follow-up, onward referral, and management.
The imaging report may contain medical terms that the patient may find confusing and possibly alarming. Darcy Healthcare staff are not usually able to discuss the findings of the scan directly with the patient. All enquiries about the report’s content and recommendations (if any) must be conducted with their GP or responsible clinician.
The GP or responsible clinician could contact Darcy Healthcare radiologists for further information, if required.
A soft copy of the scan images will be provided to the patient, and an electronic copy of the radiology report will be sent to the patient within 3 days of the date of the scan. A copy of the report will also be sent to the patient’s GP or responsible clinician.
The NHS and private medical insurance companies will not fund or cover self-referral. As such, all self-referrals are undertaken on a self-pay basis.

References:

1. https://www.rcr.ac.uk/our-services/management-service-delivery/clinical-imaging-board/clinical-imaging-board-statements/#:~:text=CIB%20Position%20Statement-,Self%2Dreferral%20for%20MRI%20examination,following%20the%20appropriate%20clinical%20assessment.

2. RCR/SoR position statement on access to imaging reports - https://www.rcr.ac.uk/news-policy/latest-updates/rcrsor-position-statement-on-access-to-imaging-reports/

3. How to read your radiology report - https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-read-radiology-report