Urinary tract calculi Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult urology outpatient services for urinary tract calculi.
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.
  • Proven (obstructing) ureteric stone in patient with single kidney or kidney transplant
  • Acute renal or ureteric colic with obstruction and infection
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate urology assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Urology 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).
  • Painful or difficulty urinating
  • Lower abdominal pain / Flank pain
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
  • Nil             
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • MSU M/C/S results
  • FBC
  • U&Es
  • Non-contrast CT KUB or urinary tract USS results            
Highly desirable
History
  • If patient has passed previous stone and this has been examined, include details of calculi           
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • XR KUB results
  • Serum calcium and urate
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Proven calculi in ureter and any of the following:
  • Decreased renal function and/or increasing pain
  • High-risk patients e.g. patients with single kidney/renal transplant

**Small stones under 5mm that have a good chance of passage may be observed in the community with analgesia and a follow up scan in 4 weeks with guidance to collect stone.

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Proven calculi in kidney (non-obstructive) that the patient may wish to have treated operatively
  • All staghorn stones          

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

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

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Last reviewed: 05-01-2024