Comprehensive Diagnostic Breast Clinic

In alignment with the Queensland Cancer Strategy 2024-2032, Metro North Health has been selected by the Department of Health to develop and implement a four-year trial of a Comprehensive Diagnostic Breast Clinic – the first of its kind in Queensland.

The aim of the new clinic is to deliver a diagnostic service for symptomatic patients through a partnership between CBCI, Metro North Health, BreastScreen Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Department of Health.

What’s the difference?

Screening	Diagnostic
To detect breast cancer early in well women Performed every two years for well women over 40 Typically involves two x-ray images of each breast Images are reviewed independently by two specialist radiologists after screening Results generally take two weeks	To investigate breast symptoms or changes Requires a doctor’s referral Uses a more specialised machine with 3D imaging Images are reviewed immediately to determine if a biopsy is needed Results of the mammogram will be available on the day, however results of any biopsy will take longer

What to expect

A team of multidisciplinary clinicians who specialise in breast disease will staff the Clinic.

Diagnostic breast services may include:

Clinical history
Physical examination
Mammogram
Ultrasound
Biopsy
MRI

Who is eligible?

Public patients within the Metro North Health catchment with a new breast symptom who require public care for assessment and diagnosis.

Breast symptoms may include a new breast lump, nipple discharge, pain, or any other suspicious changes (e.g. new inversion).

All patients must be referred by their GP.

The following conditions are excluded:

Mastalgia
Mastitis
Breast abscess
Implant-related issues
BIRADS 4 and 5 or a confirmed malignancy (please refer to breast surgery)
Normal imaging (BIRADS 2) within 6 months for the same symptoms
Sedation required for biopsy
Long-term pain management

GPs: How to refer your patient

GPs can refer patients via GP Smart Referrals (preferred) or eReferral.
Patients can also be referred internally via QH Refer.

For GP Smart Referrals, please use the following:

Request type: New referral

Reason for referral: New condition requiring specialist consultation

Condition and Specialty: Breast

Service/Location: Comprehensive Diagnostic Breast Clinic RBWH

If referring via Medical Objects, please use the code MQ40290004P.

If any errors occur during uploading the referral, please contact the Central Patient Intake Unit (CPIU) on 1300 364 938 Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

For any other enquires, GPs can contact the Clinic by emailing CBCI_BreastClinic@health.qld.gov.au or by phone on 07 3350 7452.

Please note referrals are triaged at RBWH but the Clinic is located at 534 Hamilton Road Chermside QLD 4032.