​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Emergency

If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar:

  • optic nerve head swelling with neurological signs or symptoms, vision change and/or headache
  • optic nerve head swelling with retinal haemorrhages or exudates.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.

Optic nerve head swelling (if a new presentation) without other neurological signs or symptoms.

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • If the patient and/or carer requires an interpreter (if so, list preferred language).

If available

  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions).
  • Visual acuity.
  • If the patient identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
  • If the patient is considered ‘at risk’ and/or among a vulnerable, disadvantaged or priority population.
  • If the patient is suitable for virtual care or telehealth.
  • If the patient has special needs or requires reasonable adjustments to be made.

Important information for referring health professionals​

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.​​


 

Current as at: Thursday 14 November 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing