Format/length:	an8
HES item:	REFERRER
National Codes:
Default Codes:	C9999998 - Consultant Code not known
	R9999981 - Referrer other than GMP, GDP or Consultant
	X9999998 - Not applicable: or not known

Notes:
This requires the code of the PERSON making the referral. This will normally be a CARE PROFESSIONAL - a GMP or a consultant.

The intention is for this item to reflect the actual (true) referrer. For example, following a GMP referral, a consultant may subsequently refer the PATIENT to another consultant within the HOSPITAL PROVIDER SPELL. The code of the consultant making the referral and the consultant's organisation should be recorded in the CDS rather than the code of the GMP referrer. This also applies where a CONSULTANT refers an NHS patient to another doctor for NHS-commissioned treatment at another NHS Trust, a non-NHS provider, or an overseas provider. Where the Consultant Code is unknown, the default value C9999998 should be used.

In all other cases, the code of the referring GMP should be recorded, if applicable.

See CONSULTANT CODE and GMP (CODE OF REGISTERED OR REFERRING GMP) for the codes available for consultants and General Medical and Dental Practitioners, MoD and Prison Doctors. See also NHS Administrative Codes.

If the Referrer code is not known or not applicable e.g., the patient has self-presented, the default code (X9999998) should be used. 

This data element is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	REFERRER CODES