GP referral language for a paediatric developmental concern

Most paediatric referrals get re-triaged because the language is too soft for the system to act on. Below is the framing we recommend, plus the items and codes the AU public-private mix expects.

Anatomy of a clean referral

1. 1Lead with the specific functional impact, not the diagnostic suspicion. ('Significant difficulty with self-regulation impacting school attendance and family function.') The diagnostic question goes second, never first.
2. 2Quote two specific examples — one from home, one from school. Triage panels look for cross-context evidence.
3. 3State what's been tried. ('Family has accessed Triple P, school has implemented a sensory plan.') This signals a tier-2 referral, not tier-1.
4. 4Name the urgency in plain language. ('Concern that delay will worsen functional outcomes.') Don't use the word 'urgent' unless it is — it dilutes the marker.

Phrasing that works

For ADHD-suspected: 'Concerns regarding attention regulation and impulsivity sufficient to materially impact school participation, with cross-context observation. Family seeking comprehensive paediatric assessment to clarify diagnosis and consider next steps.'

For autism-suspected: 'Concerns regarding social communication patterns, sensory regulation, and behavioural flexibility. Cross-context concern from parent and educator. Family seeks paediatric assessment with view to multidisciplinary diagnostic process per current Australian guidelines.'

MBS items to consider

• Item 110/116 — initial paediatric consultation referral (where applicable in your state).
• Item 2715 — Mental Health Care Plan for children with significant emotional/behavioural concerns. Six subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year.
• Items 135–139 — Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) referrals where ASD is being formally assessed.
• Item 715 — health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with developmental concerns.

What to give the family

A copy of the referral letter and the tracking number (most state systems now provide one). Ask them to follow up at the 6-week mark if they haven't been triaged. Knowmykid.com.au/medicare-mental-health-care-plan and /paediatric-waitlists give them plain-English versions of the same content for their own reference.