What an e-skierowanie is
An e-skierowanie is an electronic referral to a specialist, for tests or to hospital. Since 2021 it has replaced paper forms and lives in the e-zdrowie system.
You receive a four-digit code. Give it together with your PESEL number at reception and the facility pulls the document from the system itself.
Which specialists require a referral
Under NFZ a referral is needed for most specialist clinics: cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, orthopaedics, urology, gastroenterology.
No referral is needed for a gynaecologist, dentist, oncologist, psychiatrist or venereologist. Privately no specialist requires one, but it matters for reimbursement of tests.
Referral for tests
A doctor can refer you for laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-ray and other imaging. For some reimbursed tests the referral is what makes them free.
How long an e-skierowanie is valid
A referral to a specialist clinic has no expiry date, but you must register it at the facility within 14 days of issue, otherwise it lapses.
A hospital referral is valid as long as the medical grounds persist. A rehabilitation referral must be registered within 30 days.
How to order a referral online
Fill in the form, describe your symptoms and say which specialist or test you need. After payment the doctor calls, holds the consultation and you get the document the same day.
When a doctor will not issue a referral
A referral needs medical grounds. The doctor will refuse if your symptoms do not indicate a need for specialist care or if your condition needs examining first.
Referrals for ultrasound, X-ray and blood tests
A doctor can refer you for imaging — abdominal, thyroid, breast or vascular ultrasound — and for laboratory work: full blood count, thyroid panel, lipid profile, liver function tests.
For reimbursed tests the referral is what makes them free. Privately most tests are available without one, but without a referral you will not get an NFZ interpretation.
Hospital referrals
A hospital referral is issued for planned treatment. It is not needed in emergencies — care is given regardless of paperwork.
How to register a referral at a facility
Give the four-digit code and your PESEL at reception, by phone or in person. The facility retrieves the document and adds you to the waiting list.
One referral can only be registered at a single facility, so compare waiting times before choosing.
Referrals for Ukrainian citizens
Ukrainian citizens staying in Poland under the assistance act have access to NFZ services on terms close to insured patients, including specialist treatment on referral.
A PESEL number is needed to register. The consultation can be held in Russian or Ukrainian.
Very satisfied with the service! I obtained my e-sick leave online, everything was convenient and hassle-free. The documents were sent to the system on time.