Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Symptomatic gallstones
• Asymptomatic gallstones > 2 centimetres
• Recurrent biliary colic
• Gallbladder polyp > 7 millimetres
• Any polyp with focal wall thickening adjacent to the polyp.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Onset, characteristics and duration of symptoms
• Hepatobiliary ultrasound results
• Statement about the patient’s interest in having surgical treatment if that is a possible intervention.

Provide if available

• Most recent liver function test. 

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Follow up hepatobiliary ultrasound may be indicated to monitor for growth in gallbladder polyps < 7 millimetres.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service. Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

• Asymptomatic gallstones < 2 centimetres
• Gallbladder polyp < 7 millimetres
• Raised liver function tests without evidence of gallstones or gallbladder polyps.