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Orthopaedics · 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 — Toe-walking.
Cat 1 · 30 days
appointment within 30 calendar days. - A child currently in out of home care (OOHC) or at risk of entering or leaving OOHC, where they have previously been on a waiting list for this problem and were removed without receiving a service
Cat 2 · 90 days
appointment within 90 calendar days. - If abnormal spine examination – abnormal neurological exam
Cat 3 · 365 days
appointment within 365 calendar days. - Asymmetrical deformity and/or functional difficulties - Unable to dorsi-flex feet beyond neutral, stand with heels down or walk on heels - Signs of cerebral palsy with hypertonia, hyperreflexia or ataxia - Calf hypertrophy - Associated developmental delay Note: Patients with associated developmental delay or suspected hypotonia or cerebral palsy should also be referred to general paediatrics if not already under paediatric care. [https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/referrals/services/paediatric-medicine-general-paediatrics]
Referral will be returned without this. If a mandatory test cannot be obtained, say so in the referral.
- Clinical history and examination including key points: - evolution and duration of symptoms - observation of gait - assess spine for signs of spinal dysraphism - treatment prescribed (analgesics, physiotherapy) - current and past medical history and medications - relevant family history i.e. hereditary neurological condition - Neurological examination – Horner’s test - Confirmation of OOHC (where appropriate) If a specific test result cannot 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: - Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery - Disability assessment (refer to HealthPathways) - Referrals for assessment prior to application for the Australian Defence Force or Queensland Police Service
Parent service: Orthopaedics
Sign in for localised assessment and management. HealthPathways does not send the referral. Register: gchealthpathways@health.qld.gov.au