Flat feet

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

• Child aged < 8 years with functional impairment (for example recurrent falls) as a result of flat foot.
  Note: consider referral to physiotherapy.
• Flexible flat foot (i.e. arch reconstitutes on heel raise) without pain.

Criteria to access public outpatient services

Information to include within a referral

Required

• Reason for referral.
• Details of the presenting condition, including symptoms and their duration.
• Provisional diagnosis.
• Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically x-ray: feet – weight bearing – anterior to posterior (AP), lateral and oblique views.

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.

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