Hepatitis C

Referrals

We accept GP and specialist referrals:

• Use the RMH referral form or a template from your own system
• Complete and fax your referral to Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) on (03) 9342 4234

We do not accept email referrals.

What to include in your referral

As outlined by the Department of Health, referral requests should include:

• Patient demographic information
• Referrer demographic information
• Reason for referral
• Presenting problem
• Service(s) requested
• Required referral information specified by statewide or local referral criteria
• Current patient management
• Impact of the problem on the patient
• Name of the consultant and provider number (for Medicare clinics)
• Investigation reports related to the referral

Urgent and after-hours support

Referrals are triaged based on priority. In an emergency, patients can go to the Emergency & Trauma Service at any time.

For advice, urgent referrals and out of hours support, call The RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000 to page our registrar on call.

Clinical overview

Our viral hepatitis nurse practitioner (VHNP) is an independently practicing clinician who is able to offer comprehensive care to individuals at risk of or living with viral hepatitis. The VHNP is able to request and perform pathology testing and fibrosis assessment, interpret the findings and initiate treatment or monitoring accordingly.

We provide a link to VIDS outpatient services to facilitate a rapid referral to specialists for individuals requiring more complex care including those with cirrhosis, co-infection, complex co-morbidities or significant drug interactions.

We can provide telephone consultation with GPs or community-based nurses who may require viral hepatitis clinical decision support for their patients or in-practice clinical updates education by arrangement. The VHNP is also available for mentorship of other NPs within the community to support them to incorporate viral hepatitis care into their practice.