Bayside Referral Assist

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed discharging ear in children with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Spreading cellulitis despite treatment with oral antibiotics and ear drops

Ear canal is swollen shut and antibiotic eardrops cannot enter the ear canal

Symptoms suggestive of meningitis (fever, photophobia, neck stiffness, behaviour change)

Post auricular cellulitis and swelling suggestive of mastoiditis

Cellulitis of the pinna

Associated cranial nerve palsy (facial nerve)

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Non-painful discharging ear that has persisted for longer than 2 weeks that fails to settle with treatment

Recurrent episodes of discharge (three or more episodes in the last 12 months)

Otorrhea clear discharge

Otitis externa with uncontrolled pain

Failure of dry tympanic membrane perforation to heal after six months

Cholesteatoma

Usually managed in primary care

Discharging ear in children