Working Through Referrals and Results Together With Your GP
What a Referral Is and Why It Matters
A referral is your GP’s way of asking another health professional or service to help with a specific question or concern. It provides background information so the next clinician understands your health story, what has already been done, and what needs to be clarified.
What Referrals Usually Include
Most referrals outline your main concern, relevant medical history, medicines, and useful past results. They may also explain what your GP hopes to better understand or rule out. In some situations, referrals are required simply so certain services are allowed to see you.
What “Results” Mean in Real Life
Results come from tests and assessments such as blood tests, scans, heart tests, or specialist reports. A “normal” result usually means findings sit within the expected range, but it may not always explain symptoms. An “abnormal” result means something is outside the expected range, but it doesn’t automatically mean something serious — context and interpretation matter.
Understanding Common Report Language
Medical reports can use technical wording.
“Impression” or “Conclusion” = the summary
“Incidental finding” = something noticed that wasn’t the main focus of the test
“Clinical correlation recommended” = results should be understood alongside your symptoms and examination
“Follow-up” may mean monitoring or repeating a test later, depending on the situation
Why Results Don’t Always Land in One Place
When several clinicians are involved, results may go to different systems or services. This can sometimes cause delays or duplicates. You might also see results online before anyone explains them. Reports are written for clinicians, so they often use technical or cautious language, which can feel worrying without context.
When Health Needs Become More Complex
For many older adults, referrals and results connect with broader health needs such as mobility, hearing, memory, heart and bone health, and managing several conditions together. Your GP often helps bring everything together so your care remains coordinated and makes sense as a whole.
Staying Connected Helps Care Stay Connected
Knowing who requested each test, why it was done, and what the result means can make your care feel clearer and more organised. Keeping regular communication with your GP helps ensure everything stays joined up.
🩺 General Information Only
This article offers general health information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please speak with your GP about what referrals and results mean for you in your situation.