A report letter differs from a referral letter in that:

The distinction between report letters and referral letters lies in their purposes and required actions. Referral letters are typically sent when a healthcare provider directs a patient to another specialist or service for further evaluation, treatment, or management. These letters usually emphasize the need for follow-up action on the part of the receiving specialist or provider, including any necessary appointments or interventions that need to occur as part of the patient’s care continuum.

In contrast, report letters serve the purpose of communicating findings, results, or summaries of care between healthcare professionals without necessarily prompting immediate follow-up action. They may summarize observations, test results, or the clinical course of treatment rather than indicate what should happen next in the patient's care. Therefore, referral letters inherently carry an expectation of follow-up, making them distinct from report letters in this regard.

Understanding this distinction is critical for maintaining clear communication among healthcare providers and ensuring coordinated patient care.