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Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT) · Refer Your Patient
Copied from the official Gold Coast Health condition page (27 Aug 2026). Hospital triage assigns the official category. Live source: Refer Your Patient — Ear drum perforation or Chronic ear disease.
Cat 1 · 30 days
appointment within 30 calendar days. - Discharging ear for longer than 3 months failing to settle with topical medication and new onset otalgia, headaches, vertigo (i.e. suspicious for cholesteatoma) and/or radiological confirmation of cholesteatoma (i.e. bony erosion reported - Cholesteatoma strongly suspected, acute symptoms present and/or confirmed by radiology
Cat 2 · 90 days
appointment within 90 calendar days. - Discharge ear 3 months failing to settle with topical medication - Cholesteatoma suspected; symptoms non-acute - Recurrent episodes of discharging ear - Identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Cat 3 · 365 days
appointment within 365 calendar days. - No category 3 criteria
Referral will be returned without this. If a mandatory test cannot be obtained, say so in the referral.
- Previous diagnostic audiology assessment (where available and not cause significant delay) - Aboriginal or Torress Strait Islander If a specific test result is unable to be obtained due to access, financial, religious, cultural or consent reasons a Clinical Override may be requested. This reason must be clearly articulated in the body of the referral.
The following conditions are out of scope for this service: - Simple wax removal - Chronic tinnitus unless disabling and/or associated with vertigo, otalgia, otorrhoea, balance disturbance or aural fullness - Mild/brief orthostatic dizziness - Hearing aid dispensation (Hearing service program) [https://hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/HSOHome/!ut/p/a1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOK9A03NDD0NjLwtwvzdDBwd_UJ9vNxMjAy8DYAKIoEKDHAARwNC-sP1o_AqMTCFKsBjRUFuhEGmo6IiAGbW_L4!/dl5/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/] - Uncomplicated/chronic symmetrical hearing loss in patients eligible - Cochlear implants or bone conduction implants for the treatment of single sided deafness in adults - Simple ear drum perforation as part of acute otitis media - Aesthetic surgery - Diving assessments - Workers’ compensation hearing assessments - Central auditory processing assessments - Requests for hearing assessment following failed automated hearing screen (eg – pharmacy; online)
Parent service: Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT)
Sign in for localised assessment and management. HealthPathways does not send the referral. Register: gchealthpathways@health.qld.gov.au