Nasal fracture (acute) (ENT) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult ENT outpatient services for a nasal fracture.
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.
  • Acute nasal fracture requiring surgical intervention
  • Acute nasal fracture with septal haematoma
  • Severe or persistent epistaxis
  • Associated neurological symptoms
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate ENT assessment (seen within 7 days):

  • Acute nasal fracture requiring surgical intervention i.e. external bone displacement (best results for acute nasal fracture are achieved within 2 weeks from time of injury)

 To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute ENT 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).
  • Nasal fracture (acute)          
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
  • Mechanism of injury
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Nil
Highly desirable
History
  • Current medication list including anti-coagulation medication      
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Nil
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Acute nasal fracture requiring surgical intervention i.e. external bone displacement (best results for acute nasal fracture are achieved within 2 weeks from time of injury)

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • No defined category 2 criteria 

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  •  No defined category 3 criteria
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information
  • Nil

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Last reviewed: 02-10-2023