A–Z Service Directory

Criteria for Referral

Information is available on HealthPathways Melbourne for assistance in managing your patient’s condition. This includes what investigations you need to perform prior to referring to a specialist and what information you need to include in the referral. If you require login access to HealthPathways, contact info@healthpathwaysmelbourne.org.au.  

For conditions listed below, referrals should meet the Statewide Referral Criteria for Specialist Clinics:

• Acute nasal fracture with deformity (urgent referral)
• Acute asymmetrical sensorineural hearing (consider high dose oral steroid) 
• Bilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss
• Discharging ear
• Dysphagia (ENT)
• Hoarse voice (dysphonia)
• Neck mass or lumps
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Recurrent tonsillitis
• Rhinosinusitis
• Salivary gland disorder or mass
• Thyroid mass
• Upper aerodigestive tract pathology/oncology 

For all other Ear, Nose and Throat conditions, please continue to refer as per clinical assessment and need.

Making a Referral

For referral information, including how to refer electronically, see Specialist (Outpatients) Clinics. 

All referrals must have relevant information and investigations attached (Otherwise it could be rejected or delay patients appointment further.)

Referral Concerns

If your patient’s condition deteriorates, please send an updated referral via HealthLink SmartForms selecting the Referral Continuation “Amended referral/update previously sent referral” with additional clinical information. Emergency cases should be sent to the Emergency Department.