Lower urinary tract symptoms (female) Referral Access Criteria
Lower urinary tract symptoms (female) Referral Access Criteria
| Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult urology outpatient services for lower urinary tract symptoms (female). |
| 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, painful urinary retention
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| Immediate referral |
 Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate urology assessment (seen within 7 days):
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- Chronic urinary retention with deteriorating renal function or hydronephrosis
- Confirmed renal malignancy
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Urology Assessment (external site)
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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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- Severe lower urinary tract symptoms
- Urge, stress or mixed or continue urinary incontinence (where medical therapies have been tried and failed)
- Mild to moderate symptoms that have not responded to medical management (oral medication)
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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 |
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Details of previous treatment and outcome
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
- MSU or CSU M/C/S
- U&Es
- Urinary tract USS including post-void residual or CT IVP (if there is a history of visible haematuria)
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| Highly desirable |
| History |
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| Examination |
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| Investigations |
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| Indicative clinical urgency category |
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Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
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Suspected malignant mass
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- Visible haematuria or sterile pyuria in absence of UTI
- Elevated post-void residuals AND hydronephrosis on USS and/or altered renal function
- Suspected acute neurogenic bladder
- Suspected urogenital fistulae
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Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
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Incontinence requiring multiple (> 2) pad changes per day
- Nocturnal incontinence
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Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
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Incontinence requiring 1-2 pad changes per day and any of the following:
- Recurrent (> 3 per year) or persistent UTI
- Persisting bladder or urethral or perineal pain
- Socially limiting (severe)
- Inadequate response (persisting symptoms) to physiotherapy/continence nurse management
- Inadequate response (persisting symptoms) failed anti-cholinergic and beta3 adrenergic agonist therapy
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Last reviewed: 05-01-2024