What can I expect after I’m referred?

In partnership with the

Our experienced clinicians review all referrals within 1–2 days. They check:

Your symptoms
What treatments you have tried, if any
If you can use digital services

Then they choose the best treatment pathway for you.

We use our specialist MSK experience, and the information in your referral, to decide the best next step for you. This can sometimes differ from what your GP told you to expect (for example a particular treatment or scan, or how quickly you need to be seen), but please don’t worry if so.

When we have accepted your referral we’ll send you a text message to say we’ve received it and that we’ll contact you again when we can offer you an appointment.

Occasionally we need to send referrals back to your GP. This is usually because:

We need more information, or
Your condition is something we don’t treat in the MSK service

If this happens, we’ll tell your GP why and they may contact you to get more details or explain any change of plan.

You might find our “Frequently asked questions” page helpful if you have any specific queries.

Click here for tips on staying as fit and healthy as possible while waiting for an appointment.

Who will I see in the Community MSK Team?

We have a team of experienced clinicians working together in our community MSK services to help our patients with bone, muscle and joint problems, including:

Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APPs) – they are the backbone of our service.
Physiotherapists, Sports Therapists and Rehabilitation Assistants
Sometimes GPs with extra training in MSK medicine.
Sometimes Podiatrists (foot specialists), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists and Pain Specialists.

For less complex presentations and if it's the right option for you, we may assign you to expert digital care - click here for more information.

When needed, we will refer to hospital specialists outside of the community MSK service.

What services do Circle MSK offer?

Our clinical team will choose the best pathway for you and your condition. Possible options include:

Virtual/digital care - via app, video or telephone (click here for more information)
- For less complex presentations
- Quick access to care, more flexibility with appointments
Group
- Virtual or in-person, for those who’ve tried self-management but need more support e.g. for osteoarthritis
1:1 in-person
- For more complex presentations and/or those with accessibility needs
- Usually longer waits

Here is more detailed information about the options available:

Physioline – video appointment (telephone if video not possible) to assess your condition and provide advice and exercises (click here for more information)
Digital rehabilitation/physiotherapy via Joint Academy – assessment via video call then exercises and education provided via an app (click here for more information)
Group rehabilitation/physiotherapy - face-to-face group education and exercise classes and/or gym sessions
One-to-one rehabilitation/physiotherapy – in-person rehabilitation
Diagnostic Pathway – some patients are sent straight for a scan or blood test to give us more information to get them on the right treatment pathway, first time. Click here for more information
Community MSK Clinics – virtual or face-to-face assessment with an APP or GPwER, for more complex cases. Tests can be arranged if needed, and a comprehensive treatment plan will be made
Direct referral to hospital care – some patients need to be referred straight on to see a hospital specialist

We want you to be involved in decisions about your care so please make sure we’ve explained any options to you and that your needs and wishes are taken into account.