According to Jyllands-Posten, which was first to report the figure, referrals prior to 2018 were in general always accepted, although the number of rejections has skyrocketed since then.
Jørgen Skadborg, chair of the Danish Organisation of General Practitioners (PLO) told Jyllands-Posten that these rejections "harm patients and delay their diagnosis and treatment".
"Legislation is needed to put a stop to hospitals' massive rejection rates," he added.
In particular, patients referred to treatment at psychiatric, neurological or internal medicine departments were more likely to be rejected, as well as patients who were referred for conditions such as arthritis or gastrointestinal disorders.
Doctors also report patients being rejected for referrals where they suspect serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease, for example if the doctor is unable to pinpoint where exactly in the body symptoms originated.
Referrals can be rejected for a number of reasons, including lacking specificity or failing to meet certain criteria.
Health Minister Ida Auken told Jyllands-Posten that the high number of rejections is "a problem that unfortunately rejects patients who end up being tossed around within the system."
She also called for "good cooperation regarding referrals between doctors and hospitals".
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