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Cystic fibrosis

Emergency referrals

Consider immediate referral for patients with the following in conjunction with Cystic Fibrosis:

  • Respiratory distress
  • Moderate haemoptysis
  • Pleural effusion
  • Consolidation/pneumonia
  • Fever
  • Cachexia
  • Non response to antibiotics for chest infection

Most cases of cystic fibrosis will have known disease. If patients are moving into a new area, copies of the most recent specialist letters should be sent with the referral letter.

Other important information for referring practitioners

Any concerns involving a known patient with CF can be discussed with specialist nurses in the CF clinics attended by the patient.

Referral requirements

A referral may be rejected without the following information.

Essential referral information

  • Reason for referral
    • If transferring from another specialist centre , include copies of last 2-3 letter if available  (include specialist details if none available)
  • Symptoms
    • Duration
    • Severity
    • Non pulmonary CF problems
    • Recent admissions
  • Relevant examination findings
  • Other relevant medical conditions
  • Medications
    • Include full medication list and allergies
  • FH
  • Investigations
    • FBC, E/LFT
    • CXR/CT and any other relevant imaging
    • Any recent sputum culture results

Out of catchment

Metro North Health is responsible for providing public health services to the people who reside within its boundaries. Special consideration is made for patients requiring tertiary care or services that are not provided by their local Hospital and Health Service. If your patient lives outside the Metro North Health area and you wish to refer them to one of our services, inclusion of information regarding their particular medical and social factors will assist with the triaging of your referral.

  • Impact on employment
  • Impact on education
  • Impact on home
  • Impact on activities of daily living
  • Impact on ability to care for others
  • Impact on personal frailty or safety
  • Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

  • To establish a diagnosis
  • For treatment or intervention
  • For advice and management
  • For specialist to take over management
  • Reassurance for GP/second opinion
  • For a specified test/investigation the GP can’t order, or the patient can’t afford or access
  • Reassurance for the patient/family
  • For other reason (e.g. rapidly accelerating disease progression)
  • Clinical judgement indicates a referral for specialist review is necessary

  • Presenting symptoms (evolution and duration)
  • Physical findings
  • Details of previous treatment (including systemic and topical medications prescribed) including the course and outcome of the treatment
  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Details of any associated medical conditions which may affect the condition or its treatment (e.g. diabetes), noting these must be stable and controlled prior to referral
  • Current medications and dosages
  • Drug allergies
  • Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs use

  • Full name (including aliases)
  • Date of birth
  • Residential and postal address
  • Telephone contact number/s – home, mobile and alternative
  • Medicare number (where eligible)
  • Name of the parent or caregiver (if appropriate)
  • Preferred language and interpreter requirements
  • Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

  • Full name
  • Full address
  • Contact details – telephone, fax, email
  • Provider number
  • Date of referral
  • Signature

  • Willingness to have surgery (where surgery is a likely intervention)
  • Choice to be treated as a public or private patient
  • Compensable status (e.g. DVA, Work Cover, Motor Vehicle Insurance, etc.)
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