Referral Process for Health Professionals
At MSM Pain Clinic, we welcome referrals from a range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), specialists, physiotherapists, and ACC recovery coordinators. Our goal is to provide timely and effective care for patients with musculoskeletal pain, and we make every effort to ensure a smooth and efficient referral process.
General Practitioners (GPs)
GPs can refer their patients to MSM Pain Clinic for non-emergency pain management of musculoskeletal-related conditions. We kindly ask that GPs confirm whether the patient has ACC cover before referring. If the patient does not have ACC-accepted cover, the referral can still be made, but the patient will be responsible for the cost of the consultation and any pain interventions, either personally or through private insurance.
Specialists
Specialists are encouraged to refer their patients-whether under ACC, private insurance, or as self-funded patients-who need assessment or pain management for musculoskeletal conditions. This includes patients who may still be experiencing pain post-surgery or those who do not require surgery but require further management.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists can refer their patients directly to MSM Pain Clinic without first requiring a referral from the patient's doctor. This process helps reduce wait times for the patient. For more complex conditions, however, it is advisable for physiotherapists to send the referral through the GP to ensure a more complete medical history is provided.
Referrals should be considered when:
> Patients are not progressing with exercises or standard therapy.
> Further investigation is needed to establish a diagnosis or rule out serious conditions.
> Early diagnosis and intervention are required to prevent the condition from worsening.
ACC Referrals
ACC Recovery Coordinators can refer their clients directly to MSM Pain Clinic for assessment, pain management, and rehabilitation planning. If a client is not making progress with current treatment or is struggling after specialist care, the ACC coordinator can refer them to us for further management.
We are happy to assist with:
> Medical case reviews
> Diagnosis confirmation
> Investigation requests
> Rehabilitation advice
Referrals can be made by the ACC recovery team or by case managers working with ACC-accredited agencies and partnership programs.
ACC-Accepted Cases
Patients with ACC cover for an injury will receive care at MSM Pain Clinic free of charge. There is no surcharge for consultations or pain interventions that are covered by ACC. If there is any doubt about a patient's ACC cover, it is the responsibility of the patient to confirm their eligibility with ACC directly. If the cover is not confirmed, the patient will be responsible for the cost of services provided by the clinic.
While we accept referrals from ACC, Dr. Singh provides independent, unbiased advice regarding diagnosis and treatment options. All treatment decisions are made with the patient's best interest in mind.
Referral Method
Referrals to MSM Pain Clinic can be made through various secure methods:
> Post/Hand Delivery
> Email Attachment (ensure privacy compliance)
> Other Secure Electronic Methods(please verify the security and privacy of the method)
Please note that the clinic does not have a fax service for referrals.
Making an Appointment
Once a referral is received, the clinic will assess the appropriateness of the referral and triage it based on urgency. The reception staff will arrange an appointment in coordination with the patient's availability. Upon arrival, patients will fill out a registration form, and our friendly team will be available to assist with any questions or concerns.
If a patient is unable to attend their appointment, they can contact the clinic to rebook or cancel their appointment.
Communication with Health Professionals
At MSM Pain Clinic, we prioritize clear communication with the healthcare providers involved in the patient's care. Referring professionals will receive a copy of the initial consultation notes, and ACC or any third parties involved in the patient's treatment or funding will also be informed about the consultations and any intervention procedures recommended. Funding agencies like accredited employer insurance and ACC get a copy of the consultation notes.
If further referrals or case reviews are required, the relevant medical records will be sent to other specialists involved in the patient's ongoing care.
If a referral is made to another specialist for treatment beyond the scope of MSM Pain Clinic, the patient will be discharged from our care once they have been transferred to the new provider.
Patient Privacy and Communication Preferences
Patients have the right to request that their medical information not be shared. If a patient chooses to keep their information confidential, it may affect:
> The coverage for the consultation by ACC or other third-party funders.
> Future referrals or treatment plans involving other healthcare providers.
If a patient expresses concerns about sharing information, they should inform Dr. Singh during their consultation. The patient should also discuss their preferences with any third party involved in payment for their treatment.
We aim to provide the best care possible through seamless communication and collaboration with referring health professionals. If you have any questions about the referral process, feel free to contact our team at MSM Pain Clinic.