​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:

  • hoarseness lasting more than 4 weeks without upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms
  • new onset hoarse voice and any airway obstructive symptoms
  • unexplained hoarseness lasting > 4 weeks with risk factors for malignancy.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.
  • Preceding neck trauma with persistent dysphonia.
  • Recent onset dysphonia associated with significant dysphagia or weight loss.
  • Dysphonia associated with significant increased work of breathing (for example stridor, accessory muscle use).

Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.​​

  • Suspicion of papilloma, thrush or vocal cord palsy.
  • > 4 weeks of moderate to severe dysphonia and voice loss.
  • > 4 weeks and not associated with an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
  • Persistent symptoms (> 4 weeks) despite adequate voice rest, not associated with an URTI, and without risk factors for malignancy.
  • Persistent dysphonia and associated cough for > 8 weeks unresponsive to medical therapy with associated concerning clinical features (for example neck pain, increased work of breathing, significant vocal fatigue).

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

Persistent dysphonia and associated cough for > 8 weeks unresponsive to medical therapy without associated concerning clinical features (for example neck pain, increased work of breathing, significant vocal fatigue).

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral.
  • Details of the presenting condition including duration of symptoms and medical management to date.
  • Provisional diagnosis.
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions).

If available

  • Speech pathology assessment results.
  • 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.
  • If the patient requires an interpreter (if so, list preferred language).

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.

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Current as at: Monday 17 June 2024
Contact page owner: System Purchasing