Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Emergency department referrals

If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

Acute exacerbation not responding to outpatient therapy
Acute respiratory failure

Does your patient wish to be referred?

Minimum referral criteria

Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days is desirable

COPD with chronic respiratory failure
COPD with worsening right heart failure

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days is desirable

Recurrent (>3 in 12 months) acute exacerbations or acute presentations to emergency
Uncontrolled but stable symptoms on daily basis that limit ADLs / Class 4 dyspnoea
Requiring assessment for oxygen therapy
COPD with demonstrated severe airflow obstruction (FEV1 <40%)

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days is desirable

Stable COPD for consideration for pulmonary rehabilitation or education (where community services are not available)

If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria

Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.

If you still need to refer your patient:

Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service

Other important information for referring practitioners

Not an exhaustive list

Refer to HealthPathways for assessment and management information if available

Referral requirements

A referral may be rejected without the following information.

Essential referral information

History and Examination

Duration and severity of symptoms including impact on ADLs
Current and previous treatment and efficacy
Comorbidities
Smoking / occupational history

Pathology and Test Results

SaO₂ or ABG (Essential if referral for Oxygen assessment)

Imaging and Reports

Spirometry (if available)
CXR and CT chest (within last 12 months)

Additional referral information (useful for processing the referral)

History and Examination

History of childhood/adolescent lung disease
Vaccination status
Respiratory function tests
Exercise oximetry

Pathology and Test Results

SaO₂ or ABG
FBC, ELFT results

Out of catchment

Metro North Health is responsible for providing public health services to the people who reside within its boundaries. Special consideration is made for patients requiring tertiary care or services that are not provided by their local Hospital and Health Service. If your patient lives outside the Metro North Health area and you wish to refer them to one of our services, inclusion of information regarding their particular medical and social factors will assist with the triaging of your referral.

Clinical Modifiers (where relevant)

Impact on employment
Impact on education
Impact on home
Impact on activities of daily living
Impact on ability to care for others
Impact on personal frailty or safety
Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Reason for Referral (essential)

To establish a diagnosis
For treatment or intervention
For advice and management
For specialist to take over management
Reassurance for GP/second opinion
For a specified test/investigation the GP can’t order, or the patient can’t afford or access
Reassurance for the patient/family
For other reason (e.g. rapidly accelerating disease progression)
Clinical judgement indicates a referral for specialist review is necessary

Clinical Information (essential)

Presenting symptoms (evolution and duration)
Physical findings
Details of previous treatment (including systemic and topical medications prescribed) including the course and outcome of the treatment
Body mass index (BMI)
Details of any associated medical conditions which may affect the condition or its treatment (e.g. diabetes), noting these must be stable and controlled prior to referral
Current medications and dosages
Drug allergies
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use

Patient’s Demographic Details (essential)

Full name (including aliases)
Date of birth
Residential and postal address
Telephone contact number/s – home, mobile and alternative
Medicare number (where eligible)
Name of the parent or caregiver (if appropriate)
Preferred language and interpreter requirements
Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Referring Practitioner Details (essential)

Full name
Full address
Contact details – telephone, fax, email
Provider number
Date of referral
Signature

Other Information (where relevant)

Willingness to have surgery (where surgery is a likely intervention)
Choice to be treated as a public or private patient
Compensable status (e.g. DVA, Work Cover, Motor Vehicle Insurance, etc.)

Send referral

Hotline: 1300 364 938

Electronic:

GP Smart Referrals (preferred)
eReferral system templates

Medical Objects ID: MQ40290004P
HealthLink EDI: qldmnhhs

Mail:
Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034

Health pathways

Access to Health Pathways is free for clinicians in Metro North Brisbane.

For login details email:
healthpathways@brisbanenorthphn.org.au

Locations

Resources

General referral criteria