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Physical finding of concern <1 year

PAEDIATRIC

Minimum Referral Criteria

  • Category 1
    (appointment within 30 calendar days)
    • Skin haemangioma of concern on head or neck or large haemangioma in any location
    • Small or large head or rapidly growing head circumference in infant < 6 months
    • Significant or rapidly progressing plagiocephaly or other cranial asymmetry
    • Neck mass or lump
    • Eye abnormality (colobomas, abnormal fixation or pupil appearance)
    • Any abdominal organomegaly
    • Growth asymmetry (hemihypertrophy or limb inequality)
    • Most physical findings of concern in an infant < 1 year that are not otherwise listed as a category 2
    • A child currently in out of home care (OOHC) or at risk of entering or leaving OOHC, where they have previously been on a waiting list for this problem and were removed without receiving a service
  • Category 2
    (appointment within 90 calendar days)
    • Finding likely to be of cosmetic significance only
  • Category 3
    (appointment within 365 calendar days)
    • No category 3 criteria

1. Reason for request Indicate on the referral

  • 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

2. Essential referral information Referral will be returned without this

  • Describe the physical finding of concern
  • Age when the finding was first noted by any observer
  • If concern about head size is the reason for referral then head circumference, weight and height should be provided.
  • Confirmation of OOHC (where appropriate)

3. Additional referral information Useful for processing the referral

Highly desirable information – may change triage category

  • Detailed description of physical finding.
  • Change in the finding over time (e.g. serial head circumferences)
  • Family history of related problems
  • Presence of any congenital abnormalities or birthmarks

Desirable information- will assist at consultation

  • Other past medical history
  • Birth and pregnancy history
  • Immunisation history
  • Developmental history
  • Medication history
  • Significant psychosocial risk factors (especially parents mental health, family violence, housing and financial stress, Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs involvement)
  • Height/weight/head circumference and growth charts with prior measurements if available
  • Other physical examination findings inclusive of CNS, birth marks or dysmorphology
  • Any relevant laboratory results or medical imaging reports

4. Request

Last updated: 13 June 2023