Dysphagia - gastroenterology

Dysphagia - gastroenterology — referral criteria for Gastroenterology services.

Eligibility

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

Clinically suspected or confirmed dysphagia - gastroenterology with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Progressively worsening oropharyngeal or throat dysphagia

Inability to swallow with drooling or pooling of saliva

Unresolved food bolus obstruction

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — symptoms for less than 12 months

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — progressive symptoms

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — anaemia

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — haematemesis

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — weight loss (greater than or equal to 5 percent of body weight in previous 6 months)

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — painful swallowing

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — symptoms of aspiration

Recent onset dysphagia with any of the following — previously resolved bolus obstruction

Usually managed in primary care

Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — progressive symptoms
Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — anaemia
Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — weight loss
Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — painful swallowing
Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — aspiration
Dysphagia that has persisted for more than 12 months with none of the following — previous resolved bolus obstruction