How to create strong relationships with referring doctors

Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologist, occupational therapists, and speech pathologist, play an important role in the Australian healthcare system. They work closely with GPs, specialists and other healthcare providers to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall health and well-being.

One of the keys to success for allied health professionals is building strong relationships with referring doctors. These relationships are critical for several reasons.

First, referring doctors are the gatekeepers to many patients. They are the ones who determine when a patient needs to see an AHP, and they are the ones who make the initial referral (such as Medicare Care Plan). If an allied health professional has a good relationship with a referring doctor, it is more likely that the doctor will refer patients to them. This can lead to a steady stream of patients, which is essential for any healthcare professional.

Second, referring doctors can provide valuable feedback about a patient's progress. They can let an allied health professional know if a patient is responding well to treatment, if there are any concerns, or if adjustments need to be made. This feedback can help an allied health professional fine-tune their approach and ensure that they are providing the best possible care to the patient.

Third, referring doctors can serve as advocates for an allied health professional. If a referring doctor has a good relationship with an allied health professional, they are more likely to recommend them to other patients and other healthcare providers. This can help an allied health professional build a reputation and establish themselves as an expert in their field.

So, how can allied health professionals build strong relationships with referring doctors? Here are a few tips:

• Communicate effectively: It is important for allied health professionals to keep referring doctors informed about a patient's progress. This can be done through regular progress reports, phone calls, or email updates. It is also important for allied health professionals to be responsive to any questions or concerns that a referring doctor may have.

• Be respectful: Respect is key in any relationship, and it is especially important when it comes to relationships between healthcare professionals. Allied health professionals should always be polite, professional, and respectful when communicating with referring doctors.

• Be knowledgeable: Referring doctors want to know that the allied health professional they are referring patients to is knowledgeable and skilled in their field. It is important for allied health professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment techniques, and to be able to explain their approach to treatment to referring doctors.

• Show appreciation: Showing appreciation for a referring doctor's referral is a simple but effective way to build a strong relationship. A thank-you note or small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in showing a referring doctor that their referral is valued and appreciated.

• Be flexible: Referring doctors have busy schedules, and it can be difficult for them to find time to meet with an allied health professional. It is important for allied health professionals to be flexible and willing to work around a referring doctor's schedule.

Building strong relationships with referring doctors is essential for the success of any allied health professional. These relationships can lead to a steady stream of patients, valuable feedback, and advocacy from referring doctors. By communicating effectively, being respectful, knowledgeable, showing appreciation, and being flexible, allied health professionals can establish themselves as trusted partners in the healthcare system and provide the best possible care to patients.


If you need help with creating these relationships in your local area, please get in touch. We offer one-on-one coaching to assist you in being successful in building your practice!