GP Referral Guidelines

Dr Garbowski accepts referrals for the full range of vascular and endovascular conditions, including aortic aneurysms and dissections, carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins and venous ulcers, pelvic venous disorders, deep vein thrombosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, diabetic foot, hyperhidrosis, vascular malformations and vascular access for haemodialysis. The GP booklet lists the specific indications and referral thresholds for each.

Referrals can be sent by fax, post, or through secure electronic messaging. Please include relevant clinical information, investigation results, and clearly state the reason for referral. Contact details for the clinic are available on the website. Urgent referrals can be flagged and will be triaged accordingly.

The booklet groups referrals into three levels of urgency. Immediate referrals, such as acute limb ischaemia, crescendo TIA or amaurosis fugax with carotid stenosis, or a symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm of 6cm or more, warrant a direct call to Dr Garbowski or presentation to the emergency department. Urgent referrals are seen within three to five days and cover presentations such as a rapidly enlarging aneurysm, deteriorating claudication, ischaemic or threatened limb, and acute ilio-femoral DVT. Routine referrals, including varicose veins, stable venous ulcers, symptomatic stable peripheral vascular disease and hyperhidrosis, are given an appointment within thirty days. Please indicate the urgency clearly in your referral letter.

Yes. A valid GP or specialist referral is required for all consultations at Perth Vascular Clinic. This is necessary to access Medicare rebates and to ensure continuity of care with your treating team.

A good referral letter should include the patient’s details, a clear description of symptoms and their duration, relevant past medical and surgical history, current medications, relevant investigation results, and the specific reason for referral. Where the booklet lists a threshold for the condition, such as an aneurysm diameter or degree of carotid stenosis, including that measurement helps the clinic triage the referral accurately.