Suggestions re: faxed referrals

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 53, No. 6, July August 2011, Page 260 Letters
By: Michael A. Ross, MD, FRCSC

One would think that the College would discourage the inappropriate release of patients’ clinical information, but the College does not seem to care. I have just received the eighth faxed referral this year. Now 76, I retired from office practice 6 years ago and may be away from fax and home for up to 6 weeks. Some of these faxed referrals are urgent, all are inappropriate, and they waste the kindness of the family physician and the time of all involved. 

The Medical Directory still lists me as an active specialist, though I now work only within the hospital. At the bottom of each page of the alphabetical list of doctors in the College’s Medical Directory eight categories are itemized, such as “Honorary Member,” “Missionary Work,” and “Military.” I have begged the College registrar, Dr H.M. Oetter, to include a “Not Accepting Referrals” category or something similar. 

Dr Oetter has replied cordially twice, totally refusing relief of this ongoing patient care issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? 
—Michael A. Ross, MD
Victoria

Michael A. Ross, MD, FRCSC. Suggestions re: faxed referrals. BCMJ, Vol. 53, No. 6, July, August, 2011, Page(s) 260 - Letters.


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