Post COVID Syndrome Referral Access Criteria
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.
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| 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. |
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| Clinical indications for outpatient referral |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
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- 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
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| Mandatory information |
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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.
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| 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)
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
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Comprehensive lung function test (spirometry + lung volumes + DLCO)
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
- Vaccination status
- Occupation
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- Desaturation on exertion
- FBC
- U&E
- LFT
- Fe studies
- Vitamin D and B12
- TSH
- ESR
- CRP
- CT thorax
- ECHO
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| Indicative clinical urgency category |
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Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
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No defined category 1 criteria
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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- Persistent pulmonary symptoms (> 12 weeks) following COVID- 19 illness with investigations demonstrating impaired lung function and exercise intolerance
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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No defined category 3 criteria
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| Exclusions |
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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
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Feedback
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