Occupational lung disease Referral Access Criteria

• Any acute presentation of severe respiratory symptoms following clear inhalation or exposure incident to fume, dusts or vapours with:
  • Severe dyspnoea, cough, wheeze
  • Concern for respiratory failure

• Nil

To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Respiratory assessment (external site).

• Any of the following symptoms in conjunction with a clear exposure to occupational fumes/dusts/vapours:
  • Cough
  • Wheeze and chest tightness
  • Dyspnoea (progressive or episodic)
• A CT scan compatible with, or concerning for, an occupational lung disease

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.

• Occupation (including suspected or known exposures to occupational fumes/dusts/vapours)
• Relevant history, onset, duration, and severity of symptoms
• Smoking/vaping status and history
• Current medication list
• Any known allergies

•  Resting SpO2

• CT thorax

• Occupational history

• Nil

• Previous CT scan – thorax
• Previous lung function test results

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

•  Sudden profound respiratory symptoms after inhalation/exposure incident

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

• Progressive/persistent uncontrolled symptoms consistent occupational lung disease
• Suspected asbestosis
• Suspected silicosis

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

• Incidental findings of asbestos exposure, e.g. pleural plaques in the absence of symptoms. Patients may be seen for lung cancer and mesothelioma

•  Asymptomatic asbestos lung disease and seeking annual health surveillance without physician review. See Asbestos Review Program – accepts state-wide referrals (external site)

•  See Lung Foundation for clinical resources on occupational lung disease: https://lungfoundation.com.au/health-professionals/conditions/occupational-lung-disease/ (external site)