Te Whatu Ora is implementing mandatory national criteria for Community Referred Radiology from 1 September, 2025. Referrals not meeting these guidelines will be declined. This is intended to standardise access to imaging across Aotearoa and improve equity of care.
Phased implementation
The new criteria will be introduced in stages. Te Whatu Ora will publish new community referred radiology criteria for:
x-ray (criteria apply from 1 September 2025)
ultrasound and CT (criteria apply from 30 September 2025).
Who can refer
This will mean from 1 September, general practitioners, urgent care doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients directly for certain types of diagnostic imaging, including CT, without hospital specialist or emergency department referral. This includes the clinical criteria required for requesting diagnostic X-rays, ultrasound and CT imaging in both adults and children.
Regional CRR hubs
Te Whatu Ora is establishing four regional referral hubs over the next year to support effective use of resources and timely access. Primary Care Radiology Liaison roles will be appointed to work with practices as the hubs are rolled out.
Exclusions
Imaging covered under other funding streams (e.g. ACC, primary maternity services) or required for screening/surveillance programmes is excluded.
Guidelines and support
The guidelines are available at National Community Referral Criteria for Imaging » Radiology.
A webinar on navigating the new radiology programme is being held by the Goodfellow Unit on Tuesday, 30 September, from 7:30-8:45 pm.
HealthPathways updates and webinar are also being planned.
Today Health Minister Andrew Little announced the first nine locality network pilots to improve how healthcare is delivered in local communities. We’re excited to share that Taupō/Tūrangi and Hauraki have been selected in this pilot phase.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora is introducing mandatory national criteria for Community Referred Radiology (CRR) from 1 September 2025, replacing the previous regionally adapted framework. These changes aim to standardise access and improve equity nationwide.
Read morePinnacle has contracts with a number of radiology providers under Primary Options for Acute Care (POAC).