Mandatory referrals for cosmetic surgery a ‘medicolegal can of worms’ for GPs
The problem is GPs often aren't familiar with cosmetic surgeons' training or skills
The RACGP is worried more GPs will be dragged into negligence cases due to new Medical Board of Australia guidelines that patients must have a referral to undergo cosmetic surgery.
The new guidelines, which come into effect on 1 July, follow a series of cosmetic surgery scandals with patients alleging they were left with deformities and nerve pain after face lifts, tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts.
It’s been claimed that GPs could end up being asked to write 100,000 referrals a year for patients under the reforms.
But Associate Professor Charlotte Hespe says the guidelines are concerning.
