IMPRES Referral Guidance

When to direct patients to PHYSIOTHERAPY via self referral

When to refer patients via SPOA for specialist MSK opinion

• Self referral is only for patients who require Physiotherapy management.
• Patients can be directed to access self referral IF their MSK condition fails to improve with first line management and their symptoms have persisted beyond 6 weeks.
• Click here for patient information to support self management and the self referral form.

• Most MSK conditions resolve within 6 weeks of onset, however if a patient has an MSK complaint that needs to be seen sooner, please refer as usual through SPOA.
• Complex undifferentiated pain.
• Patients potentially requiring further investigations.
• Patients requiring support on the type of management options available to them, e.g. injections, specialist opinions etc.

Please include all relevant subjective and objective assessment findings, investigations and clinic letters from specialists, to support triage.