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COPD
Required investigation: Respiratory function tests - Spirometry
These can be arranged through the Department of Respiratory Medicine
Refer to Respiratory Specialist Clinic
Asthma
Required investigation: Spirometry
Refer to Respiratory Specialist Clinic
Chronic Cough > 8 weeks
Radiology reports and list of medications/inhaled therapy already tried must be included with the referral
Patient must have hard copy films or CD of any current radiology in their possession. Reports without actual images will delay the patient's assessment .
Request urgent appointment or consider referral to Emergency Department if any red flag symptoms including: Haemoptysis, new onset breathlessness, stridor, suspected TB, chest pain.
Sleep Apnoea
Detailed list of all medical problems and current medications must be included with the referral. Please also include completed Epworth Sleepiness Score sheet
Refer to Sleep Clinic. Request urgent appointment if recent history of fall-asleep motor vehicle accident. Please note that there is no direct referral for sleep studies without prior assessment by sleep physician
Home Oxygen Referral
Required Investigation: Arterial blood gases (ABG's) and 6 minute walk test (6MWT). 6MWT can be arranged through the Department of Respiratory Medicine. ABG's can be arranged through most Pathology providers
Refer to Respiratory Specialist Clinic
Suspected lung cancer/suspicious lung nodules on CT chest
Required Investigation: The patient must bring either hard copy images or a CD of any current and previous chest radiology to the first appointment. Providing reports alone without images may significantly delay the patient's assessment
Referral Pathway: For urgent triage of referrals involving suspected lung cancer FAX referral to 9231 3138
Tel: (03) 9231 2211 - Respiratory Registrar via Switchboard or
Lung Cancer Nurse Tel: (03) 9231 3325