Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for interstitial lung disease.
|
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. |
- Suspected acute exacerbation of ILD (infected or non-infected) manifest by significant increase in symptoms compared to baseline or evidence of acute desaturations compared to normal baseline
- New right heart failure in association with an acute deterioration.
- Acute ILD drug toxicity (e.g. jaundice, deranged LFT) or severe intolerance
|
Clinical indications for outpatient referral |
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
|
- Any of the following symptoms in conjunction with an abnormal CT consistent with ILD:
- Cough
- Dyspnoea that limits ADLs
- Fatigue
- Reduced SpO2 at rest
- Cyanosis
|
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 |
- Relevant history, onset, duration, and severity of symptoms including dyspnoea
- Details of previous treatment and outcome (including previously trialled medication if associated with treatment failure or problems)
- Relevant past medical history (particularly connective tissue disorders)
- Current medication list
- Any known allergies
- Occupational history/asbestos exposure
- Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on exercise tolerance/ADLs/ability to work)
- Smoking/vaping status and history
|
Examination |
- Resting SpO2
- Bilateral crepitations on auscultation
|
Investigations |
- High resolution CT chest (report must be included)
- Lung biopsy report (if previously performed)
|
Highly desirable |
History |
|
Examination |
|
Investigations |
- Previous lung function tests
- FBC (including WCC differential)
- Auto-antibody screen
|
Indicative clinical urgency category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days
|
- Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD with radiographic evidence with Grade 4 dyspnoea (ADLs affected by dyspnoea)
- Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD with Grade 2/3 dyspnoea
- Known ILD with worsening hypoxemia or right heart failure
|
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days
|
- Chronic ILD with Grade 1 dyspnoea
- Newly diagnosed or suspected ILD without symptoms
|
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days
|
-
Known ILD with stable symptoms requiring specialist opinion
|
Useful information |
Clinician resources
- Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The COPD-X Plan
|
Feedback
If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.