Cat 1 · 30 days
appointment within 30 calendar days. - COPD with oxygen saturation ≤92% - Hypercapnoea (CO2 ≥50 mm Hg) on arterial blood gas - COPD with worsening right heart failure
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Respiratory and Sleep Medicine · Refer Your Patient
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Copied from the official Gold Coast Health condition page (27 Aug 2026). Hospital triage assigns the official category. Live source: Refer Your Patient — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
CPC windows
Cat 2 · 90 days
appointment within 90 calendar days. - COPD with oxygen saturation 92-96% - Recurrent (>3 in 12 months) acute exacerbations or acute presentations to emergency - Severe but stable symptoms on daily basis that limit ADLs (breathless on minor exertion) - COPD with progressive decrease in lung function
Cat 3 · 365 days
appointment within 365 calendar days. - Stable with moderate to severe airway obstruction - Moderate symptoms affecting daily activities (breathless on walking or inclines) - Consideration for pulmonary rehabilitation or education (where community services are no
Essential referral information
Referral will be returned without this. If a mandatory test cannot be obtained, say so in the referral.
- SaO2 or ABG - Spirometry (if available) - CXR and/or CT chest (within last 12 months
Out of scope / wrong door
The following conditions are out of scope for this service: - Chest pain without abnormalities on CT chest - Occupational lung screening - Direct screening for TB – should be referred to contact and immigration screening (regional Tuberculosis control centre) - Pleural plaques
Parent service: Respiratory and Sleep Medicine
Send outpatient referrals to
- Smart Referrals preferred (Best Practice or Medical Director)
- Medical Objects GQ42150009Z (lookup qh → QHEALTH, GOLD COAST HEALTH OUTPATIENT)
- HealthLink EDI Qldgchsd
- Fax (07) 5687 4497 — Booking and Referral Centre
- Post: Booking and Referral Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport QLD 4215
- Clinic enquiries 1300 559 083
HealthPathways
Sign in for localised assessment and management. HealthPathways does not send the referral. Register: gchealthpathways@health.qld.gov.au