The TIA clinic provides expert opinion in assessment or follow up of transient ischaemic attack (TIA), transient neurological spells (TNS) or non-acute stroke.
All TIA Clinic referrals to be triaged by the Neurology Registrar, three times a week and contact selected TIA patients requiring critical and urgent measures.
- For Urgent attention or should an early Assessment required, GPs are encouraged to contact Neurology Registrar on 9784 7804
The clinic also sees selected non-acute stroke patients for expert management advice after completion of the relevant investigations and treatment options from GPs. The TIA clinic will accept TIA patients discharged from Bayside Health Peninsula after the initial workup and treatment initiation as per TIA assessment criteria from ED as well as selected patients discharged from the stroke unit.
- The Single Visit Specialist TIA clinic aims to provide planned non-admitted services that require the focus of an acute setting to ensure the best outcome for a patient. TIA patients requiring further specialist assessment for management issues will return for a review.
- TIA Clinic aims to provide access to comprehensive medical, and nursing for assessment, diagnosis and treatment. (For allied health, see alternative referral options).
- Aims for collaboration with specialist providers from cardiology, vascular and other relevant specialities, as indicated.
Referrals
Referral addressed to named head of clinic is preferred.
The GP Referral Template located within the Mastercare Referralnet system is the preferred referral tool. For faxed referrals: FAX 9125 9846
Categories for appointment
Click to expand
| Clinical Description | Estimated Wait Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Urgent Severe Symptoms or referring doctor requires urgent review. | Appointment within thirty (30) days |
| Category 1A Urgent (Needs urgent assessment before seen at the TIA Clinic) | – Critical Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis (>70% stenosis) – Atrial Fibrillation | Urgent attention and start relevant treatment by the Referring doctor. Urgently contact Neurology Registrar on 97847804 for treatment options. Do not wait until seen at the TIA clinic. |
| Category 1B Semi-Urgent | Selected patients by the Neurology Registrar or Consultant eg Transient ischaemic attack(s) that has/have occurred more than 48 hours ago and within the last two week | Needs early assessment within 2 weeks at the TIA Clinic. Needs approval by the Neurology Registrar after an initial over the phone consult Contact PH 97847804 |
| Category 2 Routine (GP referrals) | – Any non-acute TIA/stroke referrals. – Internal carotid stenosis (> 50%) on imaging with symptoms (excluding dizziness alone), more than two weeks after onset of symptoms – Asymptomatic internal carotid stenosis > 70% on imaging – An old stroke identified on imaging that has not been previously addressed. | Next Available Appointment unless specified by the Neurology Registrar. Should an early assessment required, GPs are encouraged to contact Neurology Registrar on 9784 7804 |
| Emergency | – Emergency Transient ischaemic attack(s) in last 48 hours. – Multiple or recurrent transient ischaemic attack episodes in the last seven days. – Amaurosis fugax in last 48 hours Persistent neurological deficit | To Emergency Department |
Eligibility criteria
- The TIA clinic will accept, discharge TIA patients after the initial workout and treatment initiation as per TIA assessment criteria from ED and selected patients discharged from stroke unit.
- Selected non-acute stroke patients after completing the relevant investigations and treatment options from GPs for expert management advice.
- Any TIA or Stroke patients that meet the above criteria for an appointment.
Preferred living within Bayside Health Peninsula catchment.
Exclusion criteria
- Not for routine follow-up of every stroke patient unlews above criteria met.
- An old stroke identified on imaging that has been previously addressed.
- Age appropriate, asymptomatic deep white matter disease o rT2 hyperintense lesions.
- Chronic vascular risk factors without an acute transient ischaemic attack or stroke.
- Primary prevention of vascular risk.
- Patients with Neurological disorders other than TIA/Stroke as per eligibility criteria.
Alternative referral options
- Private services
Related Resources
Benchmark with DHHS Statewide referral criteria: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/statewide-referral-criteria/stroke-or-transient-ischaemic-attack
Minimum Referral Information Required
Please note, referral cannot be processed if minimum information is missing
- Referring practitioner name, provider number and signature.
- Date of referral
- Patient’s name, address, date of birth, Medicare number and phone number.
- Clinical details and reason for referral
- Relevant medical history
- Medications
- Allergies
- Results of all recent and relevant investigation.
Information that must be provided:
- Timing and severity of symptoms
- Neuroimaging results
- Vascular imaging results
- Current and complete medication history (including non-prescriptionmedicines, herbs and supplements).
Provide if available:
- Full blood examination
- Liver function tests
- Fasting blood glucose level
- Fasting lipid profile
- Any echocardiogram or Holter monitor results • International normalised ration (INR) > 1.5 in patients taking an anticoagulant medicine.
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