Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Adult
Criteria for referral to public hospital service
- Bopsy proven basal cell carcinomas
- Biopsy proven Bowen’s disease
- Giant (larger than 20 centimetres) or pigmented congenital naevi or congenital naevi that are noted to be changing
- Pigmented naevi if melanoma is suspected and where biopsy is unable to be performed in primary care due to the size of the lesion or anatomical site (head or genitals)
- Squamous cell carcinomas where biopsy or excision is contraindicated in general practice due to anatomical site (head or genitals)
- Where there is biopsy confirmed concern for malignancy.
Information to be included in the referral
Information that must be provided
- Details of onset, duration, site, size and any recent changes in size of lesion(s) and speed of growth
- Biopsy results unless biopsy is unable to be performed in primary care due to the size of the lesion or anatomical site (head or genitals)
- If the patient is immunosuppressed
- Current and complete medication history (including non-prescription medicines, herbs and supplements and immunosuppressants).
Provide if available
- Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
- If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- If the person is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
- If the person has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter).
Additional comments
The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.
Note there are surgery statewide referral criteria for Skin lesions and other skin cancers.
Many low-risk basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas can be managed in primary care and do not require referral to a public hospital specialist clinic.
Skin assessments of at-risk patients are best managed in primary care.
Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.
Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for
- Benign skin lesions.
Updated