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Recurrent respiratory infections without known lung disease

Recurrent respiratory infections without known lung disease

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for recurrent respiratory infections without known 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.
  • Nil
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate respiratory assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil

To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Respiratory 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).
  • More than 3-4 presentations of lower respiratory infections requiring antibiotics in the past 12 months
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 description of lower respiratory tract symptoms
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome including details of antibiotics previously prescribed for respiratory tract infections
  • Related history of immunosuppression
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
  • Smoking/vaping status and history
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations 
  • Spirometry, with inclusion of flow volume loop (where possible)
  • Sputum culture
  • FBC
Highly desirable
History
  • Swallowing difficulties
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • WCC (if has already been performed)
  • CXR (if has already been performed)
  • CT chest
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  •  No defined category 1 criteria

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • More than 3-4 presentations of lower respiratory infections requiring antibiotics in the past 12 months

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  •  No defined category 3 criteria
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information

  • Please consider that most adults with recurrent lower respiratory infection will have COPD, bronchiectasis, or aspiration

Spirometry: Bulk-billed spirometry can be obtained via Asthma WA. A list of other providers undertaking lung function testing is provided on Clinician Assist WA: Respiratory Function Testing.
See MBS: Item 11505 and MBS: Item 11506 for information on completing spirometry.

Feedback

If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.

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