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Nasal fracture (acute) Referral Access Criteria

Nasal fracture (acute) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public paediatric ENT outpatient services for nasal fracture (acute). This RAC is applicable to referrals for patients aged <16 years only. Please refer to the ENT (Adult) RAC for referrals for patients aged 16 years or more.

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.
  • Trauma with other associated injuries
  • Airway compromise
  • Nasal septal haematoma         
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate paediatric ENT assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Acute nasal trauma with external open bone displacement (best results for acute nasal fracture are achieved within 2 weeks from time of injury)
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Paediatric ENT 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).
  • Nasal fracture (acute) with either external deformity or functional impairment 
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 and mechanism of injury 
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Nil
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Nil             
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days           
  • Acute nasal fracture requiring surgical intervention i.e., external bone displacement (best results for acute nasal fracture are achieved within 2 weeks from time of injury)

Mark urgent on referral for CRS to allocate as a priority

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • No defined category 2 criteria

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • No defined category 2 criteria 
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information
  • Nil

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Last reviewed: 27-05-2024
wa.gov.au