Chronic urticaria Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult immunology outpatient services for chronic urticaria.
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  •  Airway compromising angioedema
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate immunology assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil

To contact the relevant service, please see Clinician Assist WA: Immunology requests (external site).

Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  •  Chronic urticaria >6 weeks unresponsive to standard management (i.e., requiring steroids or not responding to high dose antihistamines)
Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.

 History
  • Relevant history, onset, duration, severity, and possible triggers of urticaria
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome/failure to respond to antihistamines
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
 Examination
  • Nil
 Investigations
  • Nil
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • FBC
  • U&E
  • LFT
  • TFT
  • Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
  • CRP
  • ESR
  • Helicobacter serology
  • ANA
  • Serum IgE
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • No defined category 1 criteria

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Chronic urticaria requiring steroids or not responding to high dose antihistamines

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • All other chronic urticaria
Exclusions
  • Acute or chronic urticaria which has remitted unless allergic cause suspected.
  • Refer to dermatology:
Useful information

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Last reviewed: 05-07-2024