Post COVID Syndrome Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for post COVID syndrome.
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.
  • Nil
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate respiratory assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil

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

Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID 19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative comorbid diagnosis.
  • Common symptoms of Post COVID Syndrome include:
    • Dyspnoea
    • Persistent Cough
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle/joint pain
    • Headaches
    • Cognitive signs
    • Functional decline (e.g. impact on exercise tolerance/ADLs/ability to work)
    • Loss of smell or taste
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, and severity of symptoms (including date of illness)
  • Smoking/vaping status and history
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
  • Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on exercise tolerance/ADLs/ability to work)
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome (including relevant letters from other specialists/ services)
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations 
  •  Comprehensive lung function test (spirometry + lung volumes + DLCO)
Highly desirable
History
  • Vaccination status
  • Occupation
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Desaturation on exertion
  • FBC
  • U&E
  • LFT
  • Fe studies
  • Vitamin D and B12
  • TSH
  • ESR
  • CRP
  • CT thorax
  • ECHO
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  •  No defined category 1 criteria

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Persistent pulmonary symptoms (> 12 weeks) following COVID- 19 illness with investigations demonstrating impaired lung function and exercise intolerance

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  •  No defined category 3 criteria
Exclusions

Excluded condition for the following:

  • Currently has active COVID-19 infection or confirmed COVID-19 infection in previous 6 weeks
  • Non pulmonary symptoms are best managed in another specialist or multidisciplinary clinic, consider referral to the most relevant specialty based on assessment.
  • Existing fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue
Useful information

Spirometry: Bulk-billed spirometry can be obtained via Respiratory Care WA (external site). A list of other providers undertaking lung function testing is provided on Clinician Assist WA: Respiratory Function Testing (external site).
See MBS: Item 11505 (external site) and MBS: Item 11506 (external site) for information on completing spirometry.

Clinician resources:

Feedback

If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.

Last reviewed: 16-08-2024