The starting point for all providers looking to use e-RS is to consider:
- where will services be delivered?
- which service model is most appropriate?
- how patients will book their appointments
- who will manage the administration of referrals and booking?
Where will services be delivered?
All services on e-RS must be set up against the address at which the clinic is held, and each address must have its own unique location code. These codes are called Organisation Data Services (ODS) codes and, within the NHS e-Referral Service, are listed in brackets after each organisation name.
Independent Healthcare Service Provider (IHSP) organisations are setup differently to NHS organisations, as each IHSP has a “HQ” Organisation ODS code, with specific location codes below it.
It is important that the NHS e-Referral Service roles (service definer, provider, clinician etc.) are created under the “HQ” codes and not individual location codes.
Which service model is most appropriate?
Most services on the NHS e-Referral Service allow the referring clinician to refer patients directly, based on their clinical judgement and the supporting information in the directory of services. In other cases, it may be appropriate to use a referral assessment service (RAS) or clinical assessment service (CAS) model.
A RAS offer a facility which supports complex care pathways, such as gastroenterology and cardiology, where it's not always clear whether a patient needs a consultant appointment or a diagnostic test. A RAS set up by the provider will ensure patients' referrals are triaged correctly.
Find out more about referral assessment services.
A CAS is an intermediate service that allows for a greater level of clinical expertise in assessing a patient than would normally be expected of a referring clinician, for example, a GP. This expertise should be used to ensure that patients are directed efficiently and effectively into the most appropriate onward care pathway.
Learn more about clinical assessment services.