Echocardiogram Referrals
Overview
Echocardiogram referrals are done via the ‘Cardiology Diagnostic Test Referral’ form, however they can commonly be rejected.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid Rejection
The main reason for rejection is either no ECG attached or no BNP - or both.
Accepted Referral Criteria
WARNING
They don’t accept referrals for LVH - only patients with:
- High BNP
- New murmur
- New AF
- New LBBB
- Speciality surveillance
- Familial genetic conditions
Referral Process
Pre-Referral Requirements
Please make sure that you arrange for the patient to have a BNP before referral.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrange BNP test |
| 2 | Attach ECG to referral |
| 3 | Complete Cardiology Diagnostic Test Referral form |
| 4 | Dictate to secretaries to send |
TIP
If a patient has a new murmur, the referral may still be accepted even if the BNP is normal, but they often want one done first.