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RACGP speaks out against cosmetic surgery referrals
The college has raised a number of concerns about upcoming requirements contained in new Medical Board guidelines.
From 1 July, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral.
From 1 July, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral – preferably from their usual GP – before going ahead with the procedure.
The safeguard, instituted in response to reports of ‘cosmetic cowboys’ harming patients, is included in the Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures, and will be in place from 1 July.
According to the guidelines, the referring medical practitioner ‘must work independently’ of the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery and cannot perform cosmetic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic procedures themselves.
However, while some GPs have expressed support for the new measure, the RACGP has written to the Medical Board with concerns.
‘There are many instances where it would be important and valuable for patients to consult with their GP. However, we do not support a blanket mandate,’ the letter, signed by RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins, states.
‘GPs do not usually “refer” people for a cosmetic procedure, they refer people on for an opinion/management regarding a particular health concern.
‘A referral could be interpreted by the patient as an endorsement of the procedure, or of the clinician, which of course it is not.’
Rather than advocating for blanket referrals, the RACGP letter instead provides examples of when a consultation would be valuable, which include:
- to ensure relevant patient information has been updated, in order to convey important medical information to the referred clinician
- to counsel patients, particularly those under 18 years of age
- to assess the patient for underlying psychological conditions (such as body dysmorphic disorder) as it may render them unsuitable for the procedure
- where suspected, to ask the patient about family violence or intimate partner violence, and if the patient is being coerced into the procedure.
The letter goes on to request ‘clarity’ from the Medical Board on its reasons for mandating referrals, and queries whether there is ‘opportunity’ for the recommendation to be amended.
Likewise, the college is seeking further information on the plans already in place to support GPs in this role and ensure patients have an understanding of these requirements, as well as ‘the meaning of a referral is in this situation’.
The Medical Board is yet to respond to the letter.
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