Upcoming changes to Community Referred Radiology access – effective 1 September

Te 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. Key changes include:

• national, non-modifiable criteria
• expanded referral eligibility (now includes GPs, urgent care doctors, and nurse practitioners)
• defined priority timeframes (e.g. acute, urgent, 2–6 weeks)
• new triage and liaison roles to support referrals
• digital tracking and integration with ERMS, BPAC, and HealthLink
• clear responsibilities for follow-up and service provision.

While regional hubs and staffing are still being established, and updates to HealthPathways and e-referrals are pending, from 1 September, Te Whatu Ora will be required to provide radiology services for referrals aligned with the new CRR criteria. View the Information for primary healthcare professionals (PDF). More updates will be provided as they become available.