Danish hospitals rejected 200,000 patient referrals last year

Danish hospitals rejected approximately 200,000 referred patients last year, representing one in seven referrals. This figure has seen a significant increase, rising from roughly 3% between 2018 and 2024 to approximately 15%.

Reasons for these rejections include referrals being sent to the incorrect department or insufficient information within the referral. In some instances, general practitioners are not notified where to redirect the patient, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Lars Gaardhøj, vice chairman of Danske Regioner, stated that the current level is “alt for højt” (far too high) and emphasized the need for better dialogue between general practitioners and hospitals. He noted that increased specialization and a more demanding healthcare environment may contribute to the rising rejection rates.