Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Children
Criteria for referral to public hospital service
- Alopecia areata with extensive (more than 4 bald areas) or rapid hair loss
- Alopecia areata that has not responded to medical management (i.e. moderate or potent topical corticosteroid for at least 4 months)
- Scarring alopecia.
Information to be included in the referral
Information that must be provided
- Reason for referral and expectation or outcome, anticipated by the patient, or their carer, and the referring clinician from referral to the health service
- The functional or psychological impact on quality of life or activities of daily living including impact on work, study, social activities or carer role
- Findings on physical examination
- Details of previous management including the course of treatment(s), assessment of adherence to current management plan and outcome of treatment(s)
- Patient’s age.
Provide if available
- Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service.
- If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
- If the child has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter)
- If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
- If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.
Additional comments
The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.
Androgenetic alopecia is best managed in primary care.
The referral should note if the request is for a second or subsequent opinion as requests for a second opinion will usually not be accepted.
Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.
Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for
Uncomplicated male pattern hair loss.
Updated