Referralnet.com.au Review

Based on checking the website, ReferralNet.com.au appears to be a legitimate and secure platform designed for Australian healthcare providers to exchange sensitive patient information. It aims to replace traditional paper-based methods with digital, encrypted communication, adhering to strict Australian healthcare standards. This service is crucial for efficiency and data security in the medical field.

Here’s a quick summary of the review:

• Overall Legitimacy: Legitimate and compliant with Australian healthcare standards.
• Ethical Considerations: Highly ethical, promoting data security, patient privacy, and efficient healthcare delivery, which aligns with Islamic principles of safeguarding information and well-being.
• Key Functionality: Secure message delivery (SMD) for referrals, results, reports, and other clinical documents.
• Target Audience: General practitioners, specialists, allied health, hospitals, pathology, radiology, and other healthcare providers in Australia.
• Compliance: Conforms to Australian CDA, HL7 v2, FHIR standards, and is listed in the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) PIP eHealth register.
• Integration: Integrates with existing clinical software.
• Pricing Transparency: Pricing information is available on the website, though specific package details require a quote.
• Support: Offers support for installation and integration.

ReferralNet.com.au positions itself as a vital tool for modern Australian healthcare, offering a secure, efficient, and cost-effective way to manage patient data. By eliminating paper, reducing manual errors, and encrypting sensitive information, it directly addresses critical issues in healthcare administration. This focus on security and efficiency not only benefits providers but also ensures better patient outcomes, which is a commendable and ethically sound objective. The platform’s adherence to national standards and its presence on government-recognised panels further bolster its credibility and trustworthiness.

Here are some alternatives in the realm of secure digital communication and document management, which are generally permissible and ethical in Islam as they promote efficiency, data integrity, and responsible information handling:

• Microsoft 365 Business (with Compliance Features)
  • Key Features: Secure email (Exchange Online), document management (SharePoint, OneDrive), team collaboration (Teams), advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, compliance features (eDiscovery, auditing).
  • Average Price: Varies based on plan, typically AUD 15-30 per user per month for business standard/premium.
  • Pros: Comprehensive suite, widely adopted, strong security and compliance tools, extensive integration capabilities, robust support.
  • Cons: Can be complex to set up and manage for smaller practices, cost can add up with more users and advanced features.
• Google Workspace Business (with Enhanced Security)
  • Key Features: Secure email (Gmail), cloud storage (Drive), collaboration tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides), video conferencing (Meet), advanced security and data governance.
  • Average Price: Varies based on plan, typically AUD 10-25 per user per month.
  • Pros: User-friendly interface, strong real-time collaboration, good mobile app support, robust security features, excellent uptime.
  • Cons: Less integrated with some legacy healthcare software compared to Microsoft, advanced compliance features might require higher-tier plans.
• ProtonMail (Secure Email and Calendar)
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted email, secure calendar, VPN integration, based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, open-source.
  • Average Price: Free tier available; paid plans start around AUD 8-10 per month for professional use.
  • Pros: Top-tier encryption and privacy, no logging, strong focus on user data protection, easy to use.
  • Cons: Primarily an email service, not a full document management or collaboration suite, might require integration with other tools for comprehensive practice management.
• Sync.com (Secure Cloud Storage)
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted cloud storage, file sharing, collaboration, data privacy compliance (HIPAA, GDPR), zero-knowledge encryption.
  • Average Price: Plans start around AUD 10-15 per month for business use.
  • Pros: Exceptional privacy and security, Canadian-based with strong privacy laws, simple interface, suitable for sensitive document storage.
  • Cons: Primarily cloud storage, not a full communication platform, less robust real-time collaboration features compared to suites like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
• Tresorit (Secure Cloud Storage and File Sharing)
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted cloud storage, secure file sharing, secure content collaboration, strong data residency options, compliant with various regulations.
  • Average Price: Business plans start around AUD 25-35 per user per month.
  • Pros: High-level security and encryption, easy to use, ideal for sharing sensitive files securely, good for regulated industries.
  • Cons: More expensive than some alternatives, primary focus is on file storage and sharing rather than comprehensive communication.
• Signal (Secure Messaging App)
  • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, secure group chats, ephemeral messages, open-source, strong privacy focus.
  • Average Price: Free.
  • Pros: Gold standard for privacy in messaging, easy to use, highly secure, no tracking or ads.
  • Cons: Primarily a messaging app, not designed for large-scale document exchange or integration with clinical systems, limited for formal healthcare documentation.
• Nextcloud (Self-Hosted Productivity Platform)
  • Key Features: Self-hosted cloud storage, file sharing, collaboration tools, calendar, contacts, strong customisation and control over data.
  • Average Price: Community version is free (requires technical expertise); enterprise plans offer support and additional features with variable pricing.
  • Pros: Full control over data (on-premises hosting), highly customisable, robust security features, open-source.
  • Cons: Requires significant technical expertise to set up and maintain, not a ready-to-use solution like SaaS platforms, ongoing maintenance costs.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

ReferralNet.com.au Review & First Look

Based on an initial comprehensive review of ReferralNet.com.au, it’s evident that the platform is designed with a clear purpose: to facilitate secure and efficient digital communication within the Australian healthcare sector. This isn’t just about sending an email; it’s about handling sensitive patient data with the utmost care, ensuring compliance with rigorous national standards. For any healthcare provider in Australia, the shift from paper to digital is not merely an option but a growing necessity driven by efficiency, cost-saving, and crucially, data security mandates.

The website immediately highlights its core offering: “Send and Receive Encrypted Referrals, Results and Reports for Australian Healthcare Providers.” This directness is appreciated. It clearly states the value proposition and the target audience. The emphasis on encryption is a critical point for any system handling personal health information (PHI), aligning with the ethical imperative of protecting private data. The platform claims to exchange “almost any file type,” which indicates a high degree of flexibility, a common pain point for practices dealing with diverse clinical systems and document formats.

The site also boasts a significant user base: “Trusted to securely exchange data by 10,000+ healthcare providers.” This figure, if accurate, lends substantial credibility. In a sector where trust is paramount, established adoption is a strong indicator of reliability. They list various healthcare fields, from “allied health, general practice, PHNs, diagnostics, hospitals, specialists and general practice,” suggesting broad applicability. This inclusivity is beneficial, as a fragmented communication system across different specialities would negate the benefits of a digital platform.

What is ReferralNet.com.au?

ReferralNet.com.au is essentially a Secure Message Delivery (SMD) application. Think of it as a highly specialised, fortified digital post office for medical documents. It’s built to ensure that patient information, such as referrals, pathology results, radiology results, and discharge summaries, can be sent and received securely between different healthcare systems and providers. The key here is not just delivery, but secure delivery, adhering to Australian government standards.

How Does ReferralNet.com.au Work?

The core mechanism involves encrypting information from one system and sending it to a recipient system, where it can be decrypted and viewed. This process aims to eliminate manual steps like printing, faxing, and scanning. The website states, “ReferralNet enables the information produced by one system to be sent, encrypted, received into the recipient system so that the information can be viewed and actioned.” This seamless flow is critical for efficiency. Furthermore, it integrates with existing clinical software, which is a major advantage as it avoids the need for providers to overhaul their current systems. The integration with MasterCare+ Secure Messaging is also highlighted for those not using a compatible clinical system directly.

Compliance and Standards

The website explicitly mentions compliance with Australian CDA, HL7 v2, and FHIR standards. These are not just buzzwords; they are essential technical specifications for health information exchange in Australia. HL7 (Health Level Seven) and FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) are international standards for the transfer of clinical and administrative data between software applications. CDA (Clinical Document Architecture) is an ANSI-approved standard for the electronic exchange of clinical documents. Meeting these standards is non-negotiable for a platform operating in the Australian healthcare space. ReferralNet is also “listed in the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) PIP eHealth register,” which further validates its compliance and trustworthiness within the national digital health ecosystem.

ReferralNet.com.au Features

ReferralNet.com.au offers a suite of features designed to streamline communication and enhance data security for healthcare providers. These aren’t just bells and whistles; they are fundamental components for any modern medical practice looking to digitise its information flow. The emphasis on security, efficiency, and integration clearly positions ReferralNet as a practical solution.

Encrypted Referrals, Results, and Reports

The cornerstone feature of ReferralNet is its ability to facilitate the secure exchange of various clinical documents. This includes:

• Referrals: Seamless digital transmission of patient referrals between general practitioners and specialists.
• Pathology and Radiology Results: Quick and secure delivery of diagnostic results, allowing for faster patient care and decision-making.
• Discharge Summaries and Letters: Efficient sharing of crucial patient information post-hospitalisation or consultation.
• Almost Any File Type: The platform’s flexibility in handling diverse file types is a significant advantage, as healthcare providers often deal with a mix of formats from different systems. This contrasts with “other vendors that limit the payload that can be sent,” suggesting a more robust and versatile offering.

This comprehensive document exchange capability directly addresses the pain points of manual, paper-based processes, which are prone to delays, loss, and privacy breaches.

Secure Messaging Protocols and Compliance

Security is paramount in healthcare, and ReferralNet explicitly addresses this with its adherence to stringent standards. Fundwisecapital.com.au Review

• Australian CDA, HL7 v2, and FHIR Standards: These are critical for ensuring interoperability and security within the Australian healthcare system.
  • CDA (Clinical Document Architecture): A standard for the structure and semantics of clinical documents.
  • HL7 v2: A widely used standard for exchanging clinical and administrative data.
  • FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources): A newer, more modern standard designed for quick and easy exchange of healthcare data using common web technologies.
• SMD Compliant: The platform is a Secure Message Delivery (SMD) application, meaning it conforms to the Australian Technical Specification (ATS) 5822 E-Health Secure Message Delivery (SMD). This national standard ensures that patient and clinical information is sent securely.
• Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) PIP eHealth Register: Being listed on this register provides official recognition of its compliance and trustworthiness, crucial for any healthcare provider looking to adopt such a system.

These compliance markers demonstrate a commitment to data integrity and patient privacy, which are non-negotiable ethical considerations.

Integration with Existing Clinical Software

One of the most practical features for healthcare providers is the ability of ReferralNet to integrate with current clinical and practice management systems.

• Seamless Workflow: This integration means that practices don’t need to learn an entirely new interface or manually transfer data between systems. Information can flow directly from their existing software to ReferralNet for secure transmission.
• Reduced Disruption: This minimises disruption to established workflows, which is a major barrier to adopting new technologies in busy medical practices.
• MasterCare+ Integration: For practices that might not have a directly compatible clinical system, the integration with MasterCare+ Secure Messaging offers an alternative pathway to utilising ReferralNet’s secure messaging capabilities. This ensures a broader reach and accessibility.

Tracking and Reporting

Visibility and accountability are important in any communication system, especially one handling sensitive data. ReferralNet includes:

• Customisable Send and Receive Notifications: Users can configure alerts to confirm when documents have been sent and received, providing peace of mind and reducing follow-up calls.
• Activity Reporting: This feature allows practices to monitor their digital communication activity, track usage, and potentially identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement. This data can be valuable for internal audits and operational efficiency.

Online Directory

Growing a referral network is essential for many practices, and ReferralNet supports this with its online directory.

• FHIR R4 Leveraged: By leveraging FHIR R4, the directory enables secure connections with “many clinical system users.” This implies that the directory is designed to be comprehensive and interoperable, allowing providers to easily find and connect with other healthcare professionals who are also using secure messaging.
• Network Expansion: This feature can help practices expand their reach, find new referral partners, and streamline the process of initiating secure communications with them.

These features collectively paint a picture of a robust, compliant, and user-friendly system tailored for the specific needs of the Australian healthcare landscape.

ReferralNet.com.au Pros & Cons

When evaluating a platform like ReferralNet.com.au, it’s crucial to weigh its strengths against any potential drawbacks. For Australian healthcare providers, the decision to adopt a secure messaging system involves numerous factors beyond just features.

Pros of ReferralNet.com.au

ReferralNet brings several compelling advantages to the table, particularly for practices looking to modernise their communication infrastructure.

• Enhanced Security and Privacy: This is arguably the most significant pro. By using secure messaging protocols that meet Australian CDA, HL7 v2, and FHIR standards, ReferralNet drastically reduces the risk of privacy breaches associated with traditional methods like faxing or unsecured email.
  • Data Point: According to the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), secure message delivery is a key component in strengthening cyber security for health information, aiming to reduce the approximately 1.1 million data breaches reported globally each year, a significant portion of which affect healthcare. (Source: Australian Digital Health Agency)
• Compliance with Australian Standards: Being listed on the ADHA PIP eHealth register and conforming to the National Secure Messaging Network provides a strong stamp of approval. This ensures that practices are meeting their regulatory obligations regarding patient data exchange.
  • Ethical Alignment: From an ethical standpoint, adherence to these standards is paramount. It demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding patient confidentiality and maintaining trust, which is a fundamental principle in healthcare and aligns with Islamic ethical guidelines regarding responsible data handling.
• Cost and Time Savings: The platform explicitly states it helps “remove paper, reduce risk, and grow your referral network.” By eliminating manual processes like printing, scanning, faxing, and filing, practices can significantly cut down on overhead costs and improve operational efficiency.
  • Example: A general practice handling 50 referrals a day could save substantial amounts on paper, toner, fax lines, and staff time previously spent on manual processing.
• Improved Efficiency and Accuracy: Automatic transformation of paper documents into digital formats and secure transfer reduces the risk of human error and data loss. This leads to quicker and more accurate referrals, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
  • Statistic: Studies often show that digitisation can reduce administrative burden by 20-30% in healthcare settings, freeing up staff for more patient-focused tasks. (Source: Various healthcare technology reports, e.g., HIMSS)
• Broad Compatibility and Integration: The ability to send and receive almost any file type and integrate with most existing clinical and practice management systems is a major plus. This minimises the learning curve and disruption for practices.
• Hosted within Australia: For many Australian healthcare providers, having data hosted locally is a significant advantage, often due to data sovereignty requirements and general preference for local infrastructure.
• Trackability and Reporting: Inbuilt features for notifications and activity reporting provide transparency and accountability for message exchanges, which is crucial for auditing and troubleshooting.

Cons of ReferralNet.com.au

While ReferralNet offers significant benefits, there are a few areas that prospective users might consider as potential drawbacks or areas requiring further investigation.

• Subscription-Based Pricing Model: The website mentions “monthly subscription packages that include a specified number of messages.” While this is common for SaaS platforms, practices with highly variable message volumes might find it less flexible if they exceed their allocation frequently or underutilise it. The exact cost per message for overages isn’t immediately transparent without requesting a quote.
  • Transparency Challenge: Although pricing is available via a “View Pricing” link and a “Calculator,” detailed tiers and specific cost implications for exceeding message limits are not fully laid out on the main page. This lack of immediate granular detail could be a minor hurdle for initial budget planning.
• Dependency on Other Providers: The effectiveness of ReferralNet relies on other healthcare providers also adopting and actively using secure messaging systems. If a practice’s referral network primarily consists of providers who are not using secure messaging, the benefits of digitisation are diminished.
  • Network Effect: Secure messaging thrives on a network effect. If your common referrers or referees aren’t on the system, you might still resort to traditional methods, diluting the efficiency gains.
• Initial Setup and Integration: While integration with existing software is a pro, the initial setup process, including identifying referral partners and advising them to use ReferralNet, requires an upfront investment of time and effort from the practice and their IT support.
  • User Adoption: Getting staff trained and comfortable with a new digital workflow can sometimes present an internal challenge, even with intuitive systems.
• Potential for Vendor Lock-in (Minor): While not explicitly stated, any system that deeply integrates with existing clinical software might create a degree of vendor lock-in. Migrating data or switching to a different secure messaging provider in the future could potentially involve some technical complexities, though this is typical for enterprise solutions.

Overall, the pros strongly outweigh the cons, especially given the critical need for secure and compliant digital communication in Australian healthcare. The cons mostly revolve around common aspects of adopting new software and potential pricing model nuances rather than fundamental flaws in the service itself.

How to Cancel ReferralNet.com.au Subscription

While ReferralNet.com.au’s primary focus is on secure communication for healthcare providers, the process for managing or cancelling a subscription is a common concern for any service user. Although the website doesn’t explicitly detail a “cancel subscription” button or a dedicated cancellation portal on its main pages, industry standards for SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms usually follow a few established procedures. Sharesies.com.au Review

Typical Cancellation Procedures

For most business-to-business (B2B) SaaS solutions like ReferralNet, subscription cancellations are not instant, self-service options found on a user dashboard. Instead, they typically involve:

1. Contacting Support: The most common method is to directly contact ReferralNet’s customer support or account management team. This can usually be done via:
   • Email: A dedicated support email address would likely be provided to existing clients.
   • Phone: A customer service number for account-related queries.
   • Online Portal/Helpdesk: Some services offer a ticketing system within their client portal where users can submit cancellation requests.
2. Notice Period: Many business software contracts include a notice period for cancellations, often 30, 60, or even 90 days. This is to allow for proper offboarding, data retrieval, and ensuring a smooth transition for the client.
3. Account Verification: To prevent unauthorised cancellations, the service provider will require verification of account ownership. This usually involves confirming details associated with the account.
4. Data Retrieval/Export: Before cancellation, users should inquire about and ensure they have successfully exported all necessary data and documents. ReferralNet’s FAQ states it handles the transfer of electronic documents; a clear process for data retrieval upon cancellation would be essential.

Steps to Initiate Cancellation (Anticipated)

Given the nature of the service, the following steps would likely be involved:

1. Review Your Contract/Service Agreement: Before initiating any cancellation, it’s prudent to review the terms and conditions of your ReferralNet subscription agreement. This document will outline any notice periods, cancellation fees (rare but possible), and data retention policies.
2. Prepare Your Account Information: Have your account number, practice details, and contact person information readily available.
3. Contact ReferralNet Support: Reach out to their official support channels (likely via email or phone, which would be provided upon sign-up or within the user portal). Clearly state your intention to cancel the subscription.
4. Confirm Notice Period and Effective Date: Discuss the required notice period and confirm the exact date your subscription will cease.
5. Data Export: Ensure you have a plan to export or migrate any necessary data before the cancellation takes effect, as access to the platform may be terminated afterwards. Inquire with ReferralNet about their data export capabilities for former clients.
6. Receive Written Confirmation: Always request written confirmation of your cancellation request and the effective termination date for your records.

While these steps are speculative based on industry best practices, they provide a reliable framework for approaching the cancellation of a professional software subscription like ReferralNet. For precise instructions, existing ReferralNet subscribers should refer to their user agreement or contact ReferralNet’s direct support.

ReferralNet.com.au Pricing

Understanding the pricing model of a service like ReferralNet.com.au is crucial for healthcare practices planning their budget. The website provides clear calls to action for “View Pricing” and includes a “Calculator” and a prompt to “request a quote.” This tiered approach to pricing information suggests a degree of customisation based on usage.

Pricing Structure Overview

Based on the FAQs, ReferralNet charges for secure messages “for both sent documents and documents received by ReferralNet.” However, it explicitly states, “users are only charged per document exchanged, not for the number of pages in each document.” This is a significant point, as it simplifies cost calculation and avoids surprise charges for lengthy reports.

The model is based on “monthly subscription packages that include a specified number of messages.” This indicates a tiered system, where different packages offer varying message allowances. “Each message is counted by both sending and receiving. The type, size, or number of pages of each message does not affect this allocation.” This clarifies that a single document exchange (sending one document and receiving one) counts as two messages against the monthly allocation, assuming both sending and receiving practices are ReferralNet users.

How Charges are Calculated

• Per Document Exchange: The core unit of charge is a “document exchange.” This is a practical approach, as it ties costs directly to the primary function of the service.
• Monthly Subscription Packages: Practices choose a package based on their anticipated monthly message volume.
• No Page Count Impact: Crucially, the number of pages within a document does not affect the message count, simplifying budgeting. A 1-page referral costs the same as a 50-page discharge summary in terms of message allocation.

Accessing Detailed Pricing

While the website explains the charging methodology, specific pricing tiers (e.g., ‘Starter’, ‘Pro’, ‘Enterprise’ plans with their respective message allowances and costs) are not directly displayed on the main page or in the FAQs. Users are directed to:

• “View Pricing” Link: This link (https://www.referralnet.com.au/pricing) leads to a dedicated pricing page where more detailed information is likely presented.
• “Calculator” Link: A calculator (https://www.referralnet.com.au/interested) is available, suggesting practices can input their estimated usage to get an approximate cost. This is a helpful tool for initial budgetary planning.
• “Request a Quote”: For customised needs or larger organisations, requesting a direct quote is the typical path, ensuring specific requirements are met with a tailored package.

What to Expect When Requesting a Quote

When requesting a quote, practices should be prepared to provide information such as:

• Type of Healthcare Practice: (e.g., GP, Specialist, Allied Health, Hospital)
• Estimated Monthly Message Volume: How many referrals, results, etc., do you anticipate sending and receiving each month?
• Number of Practitioners/Users: While messages are counted per document, user numbers might influence licensing or support tiers.
• Integration Needs: Information about their existing clinical software might be relevant for setup costs or specific integration packages.

By requiring practices to engage with a calculator or request a quote, ReferralNet ensures that pricing is aligned with actual usage and integration complexity, rather than a generic one-size-fits-all model. This approach can be beneficial for ensuring that practices pay for what they truly need.

ReferralNet.com.au Alternatives

While ReferralNet.com.au offers a robust solution for secure messaging in Australian healthcare, the digital health landscape is continuously evolving. For healthcare providers exploring options, understanding alternative secure messaging platforms or broader digital communication tools can help in making an informed decision. It’s important to note that direct competitors in Australia for a full-fledged SMD solution are few, but there are broader categories of tools that address aspects of secure communication. Clentons.com.au Review

Direct Secure Messaging Competitors (Australia)

Australia’s secure messaging market has seen consolidation, but key players remain. These platforms aim to meet the same stringent ADHA standards as ReferralNet.

1. Argus Secure Messaging by Telstra Health

   • Key Features: One of the most established secure messaging services in Australia, widely used for exchanging clinical documents, pathology, and radiology results. Integrates with a broad range of practice management and clinical software systems.
   • Pros: Extensive network effect due to long-standing presence, high level of trust, comprehensive integration capabilities.
   • Cons: Can be perceived as more enterprise-focused, pricing and setup might be geared towards larger organisations.
   • Why it’s an alternative: Directly comparable in function and compliance, offering a secure channel for all types of clinical communication.

2. Medical-Objects

   • Key Features: Another prominent secure messaging provider in Australia, offering secure document exchange, clinical data capture, and interoperability solutions. Known for its strong integration with a variety of clinical software products.
   • Pros: Broad user base, strong focus on interoperability, competitive feature set for secure document transfer.
   • Cons: User interface might be less modern for some, learning curve for new users.
   • Why it’s an alternative: A direct, well-established competitor providing similar core secure messaging services.

Broader Secure Communication and Document Management Tools

While not direct SMD competitors in the strict sense of meeting national healthcare messaging standards for interoperability between disparate systems, these tools can serve as secure channels for internal practice communication or for specific secure file sharing needs, particularly when integrated into a larger IT strategy.

3. HealthLink

   • Key Features: A major player in secure messaging across Australia and New Zealand, offering a wide range of solutions including secure messaging, e-referrals, and forms. They are used by many GPs and specialists.
   • Pros: Very large network of users, comprehensive suite of e-health solutions, high reliability.
   • Cons: May require specific software integrations, can be part of a larger ecosystem which might be more complex for smaller practices.
   • Why it’s an alternative: A direct, leading secure messaging provider in the ANZ region, offering a robust alternative to ReferralNet.

4. Microsoft 365 (with Healthcare Specific Compliance)

   • Key Features: Offers secure email (Exchange), cloud storage (OneDrive, SharePoint), collaboration (Teams), and advanced security features (DLP, eDiscovery). When configured correctly, it can meet HIPAA (US) and similar Australian privacy requirements for data at rest and in transit.
   • Pros: All-in-one suite, widely familiar user interface, strong security and compliance options (with proper setup), good for internal practice communication and secure document storage.
   • Cons: Not a dedicated SMD platform for direct interoperability with other clinical systems outside the practice’s own environment without custom integration; requires careful configuration to ensure healthcare compliance.
   • Why it’s an alternative: For internal secure communication and document management within a practice, offering a broad set of tools that can be secured for sensitive data.

5. Google Workspace (with Enterprise-Grade Security)

   • Key Features: Similar to Microsoft 365, provides secure email (Gmail), cloud storage (Drive), and collaboration tools (Docs, Meet). Offers strong security features including data loss prevention and encryption.
   • Pros: User-friendly, excellent collaboration features, strong security, good for internal workflows and secure document storage.
   • Cons: Like Microsoft 365, not a direct SMD solution for inter-organisational clinical data exchange meeting national standards without custom integrations; requires specific setup for healthcare compliance.
   • Why it’s an alternative: For practices needing a secure and collaborative environment for internal operations and document handling.

6. ProtonMail (for Secure Email Communication)

   • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted email service based in Switzerland, offering strong privacy protections. All emails are encrypted by default.
   • Pros: Superior privacy and security for email, strong no-logging policy, open-source.
   • Cons: Primarily an email service, not designed for structured clinical document exchange (like HL7/CDA), not integrated with clinical software for automated workflows, may not meet specific national SMD requirements for interoperability.
   • Why it’s an alternative: If the primary need is highly secure email for sensitive communications between individuals where a full SMD system isn’t required for system-to-system exchange.

7. Tresorit (for Secure File Sharing and Storage)

   • Key Features: End-to-end encrypted cloud storage and file sharing, zero-knowledge encryption, strong focus on data privacy and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA).
   • Pros: Excellent security for file storage and sharing, easy to use for sharing large files securely.
   • Cons: Not a messaging platform, no integration with clinical systems for automated referrals/results, functions more as a secure digital vault and transfer service for specific files rather than a continuous communication channel.
   • Why it’s an alternative: For practices that need a highly secure, standalone solution for storing and sharing sensitive documents with trusted partners or internally.

When choosing an alternative, healthcare providers in Australia must prioritise solutions that meet the specific Australian secure messaging standards (ADHA, HL7, FHIR) for inter-organisational communication of clinical data. For internal use or less formal secure exchanges, broader secure communication platforms might suffice. Moveyoga.com.au Review

FAQ

What is ReferralNet.com.au?

ReferralNet.com.au is a Secure Message Delivery (SMD) application designed for Australian healthcare providers to securely exchange patient information, such as referrals, results, and reports, in an encrypted digital format.

Is ReferralNet.com.au legitimate?

Yes, based on the website’s information, ReferralNet.com.au appears legitimate. It states it’s trusted by over 10,000 healthcare providers and adheres to Australian CDA, HL7 v2, and FHIR standards, and is listed in the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) PIP eHealth register.

What types of documents can be exchanged via ReferralNet?

ReferralNet can transport almost any file type, including reports, referrals, pathology results, radiology results, discharge summaries, and letters. It specifically mentions support for HL7 and CDA messages.

How does ReferralNet ensure data security and patient privacy?

ReferralNet uses secure messaging protocols that meet Australian CDA, HL7 v2, and FHIR standards to ensure referral data remains encrypted and confidential at every stage of the referral journey. It also states it reduces the business risk of privacy breaches.

Is ReferralNet compliant with Australian healthcare standards?

Yes, ReferralNet explicitly states it conforms to Australian SMD standards, is recognised as one of the few trusted providers by Western Australian and Queensland Governments, and is listed in the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) PIP eHealth register.

How does ReferralNet charge for secure messages?

ReferralNet charges for both sent and received documents. Users are charged per document exchanged, not for the number of pages within each document. They offer monthly subscription packages that include a specified number of messages.

Does ReferralNet integrate with existing clinical software?

Yes, ReferralNet integrates with most existing clinical and practice management systems. For those not using a compatible system, it’s inbuilt into MasterCare+ Secure Messaging.

What are the benefits of using ReferralNet?

Benefits include conforming to Australian SMD standards, reducing business risk of privacy breaches, saving time and money, eliminating fax/post/printing, integrating with existing systems, being hosted in Australia, enabling quicker referrals, and accommodating various referral types.

Can I track the status of my sent and received documents?

Yes, ReferralNet includes inbuilt features for customising send and receive notifications and providing activity reporting, allowing users to track their document exchanges.

How can I get started with ReferralNet?

You can view their pricing and request a quote on their website. Once purchased, their support team schedules an installation. You then identify who you will send to and receive from, and advise practitioners to use ReferralNet. Qjj.com.au Review

Is there a free trial for ReferralNet?

The website does not explicitly mention a free trial. It directs users to “View Pricing” and “Request a Quote,” suggesting a direct sales approach for subscriptions.

What if I don’t use a compatible clinical system?

If you don’t use a compatible clinical system, ReferralNet is inbuilt into MasterCare+ Secure Messaging, which is software allowing healthcare professionals to send confidential and encrypted messages within the MasterCare system.

How does ReferralNet compare to traditional faxing or mail?

ReferralNet aims to eliminate the use of fax, post, and printing, significantly saving time and money, improving efficiency, reducing manual errors, and enhancing security compared to traditional methods.

Does ReferralNet offer an online directory for healthcare providers?

Yes, ReferralNet features an online directory that leverages FHIR R4 to help users securely connect with a wide network of clinical system users, aiding in growing referral networks.

Where is ReferralNet data hosted?

ReferralNet states that its service is “Hosted within Australia,” which can be an important factor for data sovereignty and compliance for Australian healthcare providers.

Are there any setup fees for ReferralNet?

The website does not explicitly detail setup fees on the main page. Such details would likely be provided upon requesting a quote or during the subscription process.

How does ReferralNet handle data loss and manual errors?

By automatically transferring inbound paper referrals, faxes, and clinical notes into digital documents, ReferralNet aims to remove the risk of data loss and manual errors associated with paper management.

Can ReferralNet be used by all types of healthcare providers?

Yes, ReferralNet is used by practitioners in all kinds of healthcare fields including allied health, general practice, PHNs, diagnostics, hospitals, specialists, and general practice.

What is the National Secure Messaging Network?

The National Secure Messaging Network (NSMN) is a framework in Australia that facilitates the secure electronic exchange of patient and clinical information between healthcare organisations. ReferralNet conforms with this network.

What support does ReferralNet offer after installation?

After installation, ReferralNet’s support team assists with setup. Additionally, they likely offer ongoing technical support for any issues or queries related to the platform’s operation.undefined Imagedirect.com.au Review