3.1 Requests for a consultation should be made in writing or, when verbal, followed by written information whenever possible. Exceptions may occur in urgent circumstances when the consultant agrees to accept care of the patient after discussion between the referring and consulting physician. All referrals for emergency care require discussion between referring and consulting physicians with acceptance of care by the consultant. 3.3 Referring physicians must provide a preliminary work-up of the patient that falls within their scope of practice. 3.5 Regular mail or facsimile transmission should be used for non-urgent referrals only.
More urgent requests require telephone or personal contact.
4.0 Consultants should respond promptly to a request for a consultation. 4.1 Responses should be issued within a few days of receipt of a written request. After appointments have been made, patients have a right to be informed of major delays in consultation and treatments, if at all possible. 5.1 Physicians must respect their patient's schedules and dependence on the physician for care. Long waiting times in doctors' offices are a source of considerable dissatisfaction.