For Health Professionals

Referrals should be directed as follows: 

• Referrals to outpatient clinics are submitted via Smart Referral or by fax to Specialist Clinics on 03 5320 4822. 
• Inpatient admission is via the Emergency Department or one of our specialist clinics or diagnostic areas.  
• Urgent conditions: seen within 30 days 
• Routine conditions: next available appointment based on clinical need 

If there are concerns about outpatient appointment delays or if the patient's condition deteriorates, please contact the Cardiology Registrar on 03 5320 4000. Discussing with the registrar or sending a follow-up referral may prevent an ED visit. 

Referrals from ED staff are triaged the same way as those from GPs, based on clinical urgency rather than the referral source. 

Important notes 

• Times to assessment may vary based on triage. Ensure sufficient information is provided for appropriate triage. 
• Referrals for stress tests sent to the cardiology clinic will NOT be accepted as GPs can refer directly for these tests. 
• Our team will NOT see patients routinely for test results ordered by a GP, unless the results accompany the patient. 

MBS-Billed Service 

Some clinics offer an MBS-billed service with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. These services require a current referral to a named specialist. Please provide a 12-month referral addressed to the specialist of your choice. Note that your patient may be seen by another specialist in the clinic to expedite treatment. We may also divert patients to specialists with specific expertise. 

The following essential demographic details is required as part of your referral, as outlined in the statewide referral guide. 

• Reason for referral 
• Duration and current symptoms 
• Relevant pathology and imaging reports 
• Past medical history 
• Current medications and allergies 

We will check the referral content and may contact you if further information is needed. Referrals are triaged by the specialist unit based on clinical urgency, which determines the waiting time for an appointment. 

Rapid Access Atrial Fibrillation Clinic 

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder that increases stroke risk significantly. Proper use of oral anticoagulants can reduce stroke incidence by 60-65%. Any patient with AF on ECG can be referred for assessment or management of symptoms. Patients already managed by a cardiologist or physician should not be referred. 

The Rapid Access Atrial Fibrillation Clinic will see patients within 14 days of referral. Patients will receive a cardiac pharmacist assessment and a physician consultation to create an AF management plan, which may include further investigations or specialist referrals. 

Cardiothoracic Surgery 

This provides consultations for referral to Melbourne or Geelong for coronary artery bypass surgery and management of valvular heart disease. 

Developing clinics 

Grampians Health is developing clinics for specific conditions. Updates will be provided on the website and to the local medical community. 

Phone: Grampians Health reception - 03 5320 4000. 

After hours the medical registrar is the appropriate contact - call reception or the Cardiology Registrar on call on 03 5320 4000.