Referral to Imaging or a Specialist: How It Works
A GP's value is partly in knowing when not to refer and when to refer without delay. Most problems are managed in the clinic; some need an image or a specialist, and the referral should carry the story, the examination and the results so nothing is repeated. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, referrals go to specialists within the clinic where they exist and to trusted partners where they do not, and the results come back to the GP who continues your care.
For: problems that need an image, a procedure, or a specialist opinion
Takes: arranged at the consultation; letter the same day
Price: consultation AED 70 · imaging and specialist fees separate
What it is
Within the clinic, referral is to the internal medicine specialist for complex or uncontrolled long-term conditions, the dermatologist for skin, the gynaecologists for women's health, and the dentist. Outside it, the GP refers for X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI at nearby imaging centres, and to hospital specialists — cardiology, orthopaedics, ENT, ophthalmology, surgery and others — with a letter that contains the history, examination, results and the specific question being asked.
Insurance often requires a GP referral before a specialist visit is covered, and the referral is written to meet that requirement. The GP also tells you honestly when a referral is not needed, because a specialist visit for a problem a GP can manage costs time and money and delays treatment.
After the referral
Results and specialist letters come back to the GP, who explains them, continues the treatment the specialist starts, and coordinates where more than one specialist is involved. Bring reports with you if you were seen elsewhere.
The consultation, and what follows from it
GP consultation
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 70 was AED 130
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Questions patients ask
Not always; many specialists can be booked directly, including those within Smart Care. Many insurers require a GP referral for cover, and for hospital specialists a referral letter with your results speeds the visit.
Where it is clinically indicated, yes, to a nearby imaging centre with a request that states what is being looked for. Where it is not indicated, the GP will explain why and what to do instead.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. A GP's assessment depends on your history and examination, which is why the consultation exists.