FOR DOCTORS: SECURE ONLINE REFERRAL FORM
Common referral reasons and what an echocardiogram might tell you.
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Shortness of Breath, Chest pain - Assesses LV/RV function, heart failure, diastolic dysfunction,
pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease and structural causes
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Swelling of the Lower Legs/Peripheral Oedema - Measures ejection fraction, systolic/diastolic function, pulmonary
pressures - Determines whether cardiac dysfunction or pulmonary
hypertension is contributing to fluid retention
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High Blood Pressure/Hypertension - Detect left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic function,
hypertensive heart disease
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Murmur - Identifies valvular stenosis or regurgitation, congenital abnormalities,chamber enlargement
Medicare Criteria Guidelines for a GP Referral
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Patient 17 years old or over,
and,
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Investigating a sign or symptom of Cardiac Failure or;
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Pulmonary Hypertension, or;
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Valvular, aortic, pericardial, thrombotic, or embolic disease, or;
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Suspected ventricular hypertrophy or dysfunction, or;
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symptoms of congenital heart disease, or;
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other rare indications
Generally claimable once every 24 months (echo's completed at public hospital do not count)
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Or known isolated pericardial effusion or pericarditis (no 24 month criteria)
Cardiac Ultrasound Reports/Results
The primary report will be completed by the sonographer on the same day, and finalised by the reporting Cardiologist within 24-48 hours.
Current reporting Cardiologist is A/Prof Edward Barin.
The final report will be sent to the referring doctor and GP. Any urgent findings will be phoned through as soon as possible.
If you would like to expediate an echocardiogram, please call for prioritisation.
If you would like to discuss findings with a Sonographer, please call.