Emergency
If the patient is febrile or systemically unwell, please refer them to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice via phone to on-call consultant/registrar.
When public outpatient services are not routinely provided
Solid mass on ultrasound.
Note: consider diagnoses other than Baker's cyst (for example tumour) and refer to most appropriate specialty.
Criteria to access public outpatient services
Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days. | Confirmed Baker's cyst on ultrasound. Note: The treatment of Baker's cyst is almost always non-operative. Management largely consists of provision of education to the family, even when symptomatic. |
Information to include within a referral
Required
- Reason for referral.
- Details of the presenting condition.
- Provisional diagnosis.
- Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically ultrasound (knee).
If available
- If the patient identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- If the patient is considered 'at risk' 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.
