199 – Dr Ivan Bristow Writing Letters, Reports & Referrals

Dr Ivan Bristow was a guest on Episode 168, discussing Foot Dermatology; however, today, we’re discussing the benefits of writing letters, reports and referrals to our colleagues, professional referrers and patients. 

Writing a referral and receiving a reply can be used as evidence is an opportunity for self-learning and forms part of your CPD. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Writing is an art form we don’t want to lose.
• Why podiatrists need to write more letters, reports and referrals.
• Using it with patients as a communication tool. 
• It is a great way to connect with other podiatrists who may have a skill you don’t currently have. 
  • Using Facebook to find patient answers is not the best method of learning. 
• Use letters as part of your MARKETING.
• The importance of checking your grammar. 
• Giving your patients a copy of their referral letters can be beneficial. 

A patient telling their GP that you want something examined or investigated further has no power, however giving the patient a letter to wave under the nose of their GP is very powerful.