For referrers
Referral information for GPs, specialists and allied health
Canberra Vein and Laser Medicine accepts referrals from GPs, specialists and other appropriate healthcare referrers for varicose veins, venous insufficiency, sclerotherapy and selected laser-related concerns. The simplest route is the secure online portal at refer.canberraveins.com.au; referrals can also be sent by email or discussed by phone. Every referred patient receives a doctor-led assessment with duplex ultrasound on site, and a written summary is returned to the referrer after the first visit.
How to refer
Secure online portal — refer.canberraveins.com.au is the preferred route. It accepts typed referrals and attachments, including prior ultrasound reports and photographs.
Email — info@canberraveins.com.au. Please avoid sending identifiable clinical detail from an unencrypted personal email account where the portal is available.
Secure messaging — HealthLink EDI: cberravl.
Phone — (02) 5119 3136 to discuss a patient before referring or to flag an urgent concern such as a non-healing venous ulcer or suspected superficial thrombophlebitis.
What happens after you refer
- Referral received — the submitted information is checked and the patient is contacted.
- Clinical review — the doctor triages on the clinical details provided.
- Next steps — the patient is offered an appointment, or you are contacted if more information is needed.
- Clinic follow-up — a written summary of the assessment, duplex findings and plan is returned to you after the first visit and after any treatment.
What we accept
- Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency: heaviness, aching, swelling, night cramps, restless legs, skin changes, venous eczema and venous ulceration
- Recurrent varicose veins after previous treatment
- Sclerotherapy, including ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, where clinically indicated
- Selected vascular and skin laser concerns, including facial redness and visible vessels
Treatment is only recommended where the assessment shows it is clinically indicated. A Medicare rebate applies where treatment is clinically indicated and eligibility criteria are met; the assessment determines this before any treatment is planned.
For GPs
Every patient is assessed by the treating doctor with duplex ultrasound performed on site at the first visit, so there is no need to arrange imaging before referring. The printable GP referral form and generic guide below set out the information that helps triage. If you are unsure whether a patient needs referral, the duplex ultrasound indications guide, leg swelling guide, venous skin change guide and venous ulcer referral guide may help.
For specialists
Vascular surgeons, dermatologists, gynaecologists and other specialists refer for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation of suitable truncal veins, treatment of residual or recurrent varicosities after surgery, and vascular laser for skin vessels. The printable referral form and generic guide below cover what to include and how to send it.
For allied health
Physiotherapists, podiatrists, community and wound-care nurses and exercise physiologists frequently see the early signs of venous disease. Allied health referrals are welcome through the portal or by email. Where a Medicare rebate may apply, a GP referral is also required and the clinic can help arrange this with the patient’s GP.
Forms and information sheets
The printable referral form, generic guide, practice software templates, import guides and when-to-refer chart are available in the download panel. Templates contain placeholder fields; practices must link those fields to their own software before use. The referral form can also be printed and completed by hand.
FAQ
Questions people ask
- Does a patient need a referral to be seen?
- No. Patients can book directly through HotDoc. A referral is welcome for continuity of care and may be relevant to Medicare eligibility for some services; the assessment determines this before any treatment is planned.
- What should a referral include?
- Patient details and contact number, the presenting concern and its duration, relevant history (previous DVT, vein treatment, pregnancies, anticoagulation), current medications and allergies, and any prior duplex ultrasound report if one exists. Photographs are helpful for skin laser referrals.
- Will the referrer receive correspondence?
- Yes. A summary of the assessment, ultrasound findings and the agreed plan is sent to the referring practitioner after the first visit, and again after any treatment.
- Can allied health practitioners refer?
- Yes. Physiotherapists, podiatrists, wound-care and community nurses and other appropriate referrers can use the portal or email. Where a Medicare rebate may apply, a GP referral is also required; the clinic can help arrange this.