Referral Pathways: How GPs Can Refer to Onward Health
A guide for GPs and practice managers on referring patients to Onward Health for complex occupational therapy support across the Sunshine Coast region.
Owen Clark
12/14/20262 min read
Referral Pathways: How GPs Can Refer to Onward Health
GPs are often the first point of contact for patients navigating the impact of injury, illness or disability on daily function and a well-timed occupational therapy referral can make a real difference to a patient's trajectory. Here's a practical overview of how referring to Onward Health works.
When to Consider an OT Referral
Some common scenarios where an occupational therapy referral is worth considering include:
A patient with a new or progressive neurological diagnosis affecting function
Recovery following stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury
A patient struggling with tasks like showering, dressing, or mobility at home
Concerns about home safety, particularly falls risk
A need for equipment or home modifications to support independence
A patient navigating NDIS, TAC, NIISQ, DVA or Support at Home processes who needs functional assessment or supporting documentation
What Information Helps a Referral
A referral doesn't need to be exhaustive, but a few key details help us prioritise and prepare appropriately:
Relevant diagnosis and medical history
The specific concern prompting referral (e.g. mobility, self-care, cognition, home safety)
Current funding context, if known (NDIS, TAC, NIISQ, DVA, Support at Home or self-funded)
Any relevant existing reports or specialist input
How the Mobile Model Benefits Your Patients
Because Onward Health operates as a mobile service, patients don't need to manage the added burden of travelling to a clinic particularly relevant for patients with significant mobility impairment, fatigue or transport barriers. Assessment in the home environment also gives us direct insight into the real-world context shaping a patient's function, which supports more accurate, actionable recommendations.
Our Catchment and Specialty Areas
We service a wide catchment, from the Gold Coast in the south, north to Bundaberg, and west to Kingaroy an area where access to OTs with specialist experience in complex seating, assistive technology prescription and neurological rehabilitation can otherwise be limited. Our clinical focus spans acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, hemiparesis and progressive neurological conditions.
What Happens After Referral
Once a referral is received, we'll be in touch to confirm details, discuss funding and urgency, and arrange an initial assessment. We're happy to provide updates back to referring GPs where appropriate, supporting continuity of care across the broader treatment team.
Getting in Touch
If you have a patient who may benefit from occupational therapy support whether for functional assessment, equipment prescription, home modifications, or cognitive rehabilitation we'd welcome the referral. Get in touch to discuss a specific patient or to find out more about how we can support your practice.
