Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for sarcoidosis (pulmonary).
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.
  •  Severe dyspnoea with inability to cope at home
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).
  • Symptoms as below in the context of a CT suggestive of sarcoidosis:
    • Dyspnoea that limits ADLs
    • Dry cough
    • Vague chest discomfort
    • Wheezing
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
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations 
  • High Resolution CT scan
  • Biopsy report (if previously performed)
  • Spirometry, with inclusion of flow volume loop (where possible)
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Sputum culture (including TB culture)
  • FBC
  • U&E
  • LFT
  • ESR
  • ACE
  • Ca
  • Comprehensive lung function test
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Known or suspected sarcoidosis with any of the following concerning features:

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Known sarcoidosis with progressive pulmonary symptoms
  • Suspected sarcoidosis
  • Known sarcoidosis requiring specialist review

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  •  No defined category 3 criteria
Exclusions
  •  Sarcoidosis with no pulmonary symptoms/involvement - Please consider referral to relevant medical speciality based on which organ system is involved
Useful information

  • Due to systemic nature of Sarcoidosis please refer patient to most relevant clinical speciality related to presenting symptoms and organ involvement

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

Clinician resources

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Last reviewed: 16-08-2024