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Obstructive sleep apnoea (ENT) Referral Access Criteria

Obstructive sleep apnoea (ENT) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult ENT outpatient services for obstructive sleep apnoea.
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 ENT assessment (seen within 7 days):

  • Nil
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).
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea with:
    • Nasal obstruction
    • Macroglossia
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
  •  Details of previous treatment and outcome i.e. failed CPAP therapy
Examination
  • BMI
Investigations
  • Sleep study report
  • Recent polysomnography (PSG) results
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil
Examination
  • Epworth Sleepiness Scale results 
Investigations
  • Nil
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • No defined category 1 criteria

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • No defined category 2 criteria 

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • Upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy
  • Moderate to severe symptoms (e.g. Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 15) and a positive sleep study
  • Failure of CPAP therapy due to patient anatomical factors e.g. nasal obstruction/deviated septum, tongue size/upper airway anatomy, mandibular anatomy
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information
  • Nil

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Last reviewed: 02-10-2023
wa.gov.au