New national radiology referal guidelines from 1 September 2025

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. This will mean that general practitioners, urgent care doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients directly for certain types of imaging (including CT). The guidelines are available at National Community Referral Criteria for Imaging » Radiology . This includes the clinical criteria required for requesting diagnostic X-rays, ultrasound and CT imaging in both adults and children. Imaging that is covered under other funding streams, e.g. ACC, primary maternity services, is excluded. Any imaging required as part of a screening or surveillance programme is also not included. 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.