Recurrent, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult urology outpatient services for recurrent, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).
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 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).
  • Women with symptoms and 3 or more microbiologically confirmed UTIs in a year
  • Women with symptoms and 2 or more microbiologically confirmed UTIs in 6 months
  • Men with microbiologically confirmed UTIs
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 or CSU M/C/S and history of previous MSU/CSU M/C/S results
  • Urinary tract USS including post void residual
  • U&Es
  • PSA result for men          
Highly desirable
History
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome
  • Bladder diary
  • Female menopause status
  • If peri/postmenopausal woman, details of any hormone replacement therapy use and response           
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • BGL
  • STI screen if appropriate
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Recurrent symptomatic (women > 3 per year, men > 1 per year) or persistent UTI with abnormal urinary tract USS e.g. hydronephrosis, stones, scarring, soft tissue lesion
  • Recent history (3 months) of admission for severe urinary tract sepsis             

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Recurrent symptomatic (women > 3 per year, men > 1 per year) or persistent UTI and any of the following:
    • increased residuals > 100ml
    • upper urinary tract infections           

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • Recurrent symptomatic UTI (women > 3 per year, men > 1 per year) 
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information
  • Nil

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Last reviewed: 05-01-2024