Colonoscopy referrals

Participants who receive a positive FOBT result in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) are able to be referred for an assessment colonoscopy and/or other test in either a private or public facility. Referred NBCSP participants with a positive screening iFOBT result can be triaged and prioritised most effectively when all necessary patient information is included.

It is important that referral information includes the RRN identifying these patients as NBCSP participants.

Public referrals

Most Hospital and Health Service areas have a NBCSP Gastroenterology Nurse Coordinator who will coordinate your patient’s care and assist them in arranging a timely cost-free appointment at their closest facility.

Online Smart Referrals—this is the preferred method.

To refer your patient to a public facility:

  1. Send a clinical referral letter to the relevant Hospital and Health Service and include:
    • the participant RRN to assist with triage and prioritisation
    • ‘NBCSP +FOBT result’ stated on the referral
    • the +FOBT result letter if available
    • details on symptoms, relevant medical history, and current medications.
  2. Via the NCSR online Health Provider Portal, complete the GP assessment form and notify where the patient was referred to. Access the Healthcare Provider Portal.

Fax or mail—only suitable if the NBCSP GP Assessment Report can't be submitted online. You must also provide the same details as steps 1 and the completed NBCSP GP Assessment Report (PDF) that advises where the patient was referred to.

Fax: 1800 115 062
National Cancer Screening Register
Reply Paid 90965
Sunshine, VIC 3020

For further information about public referrals, contact your GE Nurse Coordinator.

Private referrals

To refer your patient to a private facility:

  1. Send a clinical referral letter as per your normal referral process and include:
    • the participant RRN to assist with triage and prioritisation
    • ‘NBCSP +FOBT result’ stated on the referral
    • the +FOBT result letter if available
  2. Via the NCSR online Health Provider Portal, complete the GP assessment form and notify where the patient was referred to. Access the Healthcare Provider Portal.

Not referring

If your patient is not being referred for an assessment colonoscopy and/or other test, please advise that your patient is ‘not referred’ and briefly outline the reasons when you submit the report in the NCSR online Healthcare Provider Portal.

Last updated: 16 November 2023