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- G A Reynolds, J G Chitnis, and M O Roland.
- Poplars Surgery, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham.
- BMJ. 1991 May 25; 302 (6787): 1250-2.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relation between general practitioners' referral rates to individual specialties and the individual areas of expertise of the referring doctors.DesignData collected on referral patterns in one group practice over nine months.SettingGeneral practice in suburban Birmingham consisting of five partners and a trainee.ResultsIn 395 referrals there were large differences in referral patterns among partners for otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, general surgery, and dermatology. The doctors with particular expertise in otorhinolaryngology and ophthalmology had high referral rates to those specialties, and these differences persisted after allowing for case mix.ConclusionA high referral rate does not necessarily imply a high level of inappropriate referral.
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