Treat vs Refer Framework
The three-category patient assessment
Every patient you encounter in aesthetic practice falls into one of three categories: suitable for treatment, requiring delay or optimisation, or requiring referral. This is known as the "treat vs refer" framework, and it is one of the most important principles in safe practice.
A patient can be treated when the diagnosis is clear, the skin is stable, and the risk of complications is low. However, if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, signs of inflammation, or potential for harm—treatment should be delayed or avoided.
Referral becomes necessary when a condition falls outside your scope of practice or carries potential medical risk, such as suspicious lesions or complex dermatological disease.
Understanding where a patient sits within this framework protects both the patient and the practitioner, and ensures that care is delivered responsibly.
Clinical Takeaway
When in doubt, always default to "Delay" rather than "Treat". A delayed treatment is better than a complicated one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the treat vs refer framework?
It is a clinical decision-making framework that categorises every patient into three groups: suitable for treatment, requiring delay/optimisation, or requiring referral to a specialist.
When should an aesthetic practitioner refer a patient?
When a condition falls outside your scope of practice, the diagnosis is unclear, or there is potential medical risk such as suspicious lesions or complex dermatological disease.
Key Points
- Three categories: Treat, Delay, or Refer
- Treat only when diagnosis is clear and risk is low
- Refer when conditions exceed your scope
Clinical Tip
When in doubt, always default to "Delay" rather than "Treat". A delayed treatment is better than a complicated one.
Continue Your Clinical Dermatology Training
This page is part of the CAD – Certificate in Aesthetic Dermatology by Harley Street Institute. Unlock the full structured programme to build clinical confidence in dermatological assessment.