Patients seeing private doctors in Malta could soon save themselves an extra referral, and potentially some money, as private specialists are set to gain access to a much wider range of tests offered by the public health service.From 1st September, family medicine specialists and other specialists working privately will be able to directly request additional blood tests and ultrasound examinations at Mater Dei Hospital, Gozo General Hospital and other state health facilities.The change was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Ian Borg following discussions with medical organisations, private specialists and Mater Dei authorities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)It marks the first time since 2007 that access to state-provided medical investigations has been extended for specialists working in private practice.According to Borg, the reform should mean patients being treated privately will no longer have to return to the public system or pay to see another specialist simply to obtain referrals for certain investigations already provided by the State.“We want to empower family medicine specialists in the community to be an integral part of our commitment to improve the quality and efficiency of health services,” Borg said.The first phase will give private specialists access to tests covering a wide range of areas, including vitamin and mineral levels, digestive and bowel health, infections and inflammation, heart failure, early kidney damage and muscle enzymes.Doctors will also be able to request blood-level monitoring for patients receiving certain long-term treatments for conditions including epilepsy, heart conditions and mental health conditions.Obstetricians and gynaecologists will gain access to additional investigations, including routine pregnancy blood work, blood group and antibody screening, immunity tests and screening for syphilis and hepatitis B and C.A number of ultrasound examinations will also become available through private specialist referrals.These include scans of the abdomen and pelvis, kidneys and bladder, neck and thyroid, testes, as well as lumps and swellings beneath the skin.The referral process is also going fully digital, with referrals and results handled electronically through the myHealth system. Printed referral forms will no longer be accepted.The Health Ministry said the changes will be introduced gradually to ensure the additional demand does not negatively affect patients already waiting for diagnoses and treatment within the public system.Authorities will assess the first phase before considering further measures, including potentially giving private specialists greater access to patients’ clinical records.Meanwhile, the government says it is expanding Malta’s testing and imaging capacity, which currently handles more than 10 million tests every year, through projects including Mater Dei’s new Medical Imaging Department and plans for increased laboratory automation.The eventual goal is to continue expanding the range of public investigations that private family doctors and other specialists can directly request for their patients.What do you make of this?•