The National Health Commission (NHC) has released a notification aimed at enhancing the continuity of medical services through the establishment of a robust first visit and referral system. The plan outlines a timeline for the development of a smooth two-way referral system within compact medical consortia, including urban medical groups and county-level medical communities, to be achieved by the end of 2025. This system will facilitate patient referrals within the city based on prefecture level cities.
Goals for 2027 and 2030
By 2027, the NHC aims to establish a smooth referral system between medical institutions within the province, making it easier for patients to be referred within the province. By 2030, the tiered diagnosis and treatment system is expected to play an effective role in providing patients with systematic, continuous, fair, and accessible medical services.
Proposed Convenience Measures
The notification proposes several convenience measures to improve the referral process:
- The first visiting doctor will be able to provide referral services for patients, streamlining the initial point of contact.
- Medical institution referral centers will offer unified referral services for patients, centralizing the process and making it more efficient.
- Cross-institutional referrals for patients will be facilitated, breaking down barriers between different healthcare providers and enhancing the coordination of care.
These measures are designed to improve the patient experience, ensure timely access to appropriate care, and optimize the use of medical resources across different levels of the healthcare system.-Fineline Info & Tech
