Thanks to the Cross Border Directive, patients residing in Ireland can seek medical treatment in another EU country, including Poland, and obtain reimbursement for treatment costs from the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE). To ensure a smooth process, it is essential that the referral letter from the GP (General Practitioner) includes key information. This referral letter serves as the foundation for reimbursement under the Cross Border Directive and must meet specific requirements.
Key elements that a GP’s referral letter should include:
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Full patient details: name, address, and PPS number. The HSE requires clear identification of the patient as the beneficiary of the medical service.
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Referring GP’s details: including name, medical registration number, and practice address. Contact details should also be included so the HSE can confirm the referral if necessary.
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Precise description of diagnosis and medical history: The referral letter must contain a description of the patient’s current health condition and a detailed reason for the recommended specialist treatment (e.g., ACL knee arthroscopy due to knee issues).
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Recommendation for specialist treatment: The GP must clearly indicate that specific specialist treatment, available in Poland, is recommended due to long waiting times or lack of availability in Ireland.
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Assessment of treatment urgency: In some cases, a note about the urgency of the treatment can be included. While this is not a formal requirement, such information may facilitate faster processing.
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Mention of the Cross Border Directive: The GP may indicate that the referral is issued for cross-border treatment under the EU directive. Referring to the Cross Border Directive ensures that the HSE will consider the referral as a request for reimbursement.
The referral letter should be clear, signed by the GP, and stamped by the practice. It is also essential that the referral be in English (although a Polish translation may be helpful for communication with the medical facility in Poland).
These guidelines can help make the process of obtaining reimbursement for private treatment in Poland smoother. For people who live in Ireland and want to receive treatment in Poland, understanding the HSE requirements and the Cross Border Directive greatly increases the chances of successful reimbursement.
MedicalAdvisor.pl has years of experience in providing comprehensive support for patients from Ireland who wish to receive treatment in Poland and obtain reimbursement for treatment costs from the HSE under the Cross Border Directive.
With our support, patients can focus on recovery and regaining strength, leaving all the paperwork and formalities to our specialists. Our goal is the complete comfort and peace of mind of the patient—we take care of the rest!
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