GP referrals
When to refer to the GP
Same day
- Has symptoms and signs of a more serious illness or condition
- Has a persistent high fever (>38°C)
- Has significant difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- Has a high risk of complications – immunosuppressed or on treatment for cancer
- Is taking carbimazole, methotrexate or azathioprine
Less urgent referral
- Not systemically unwell but condition not covered by PGD or not meeting PGD criteria
- Masses/unilateral swellings (possible cancer)
- Persistent mouth ulcer/lesions (possible cancer)
- Recurrent problem, or treated within last month
- Has had the sore throat, and is not getting better, for longer than seven days
- Persistent, ‘low grade’ sore throat for over three weeks; may be unilateral (possible cancer)
- Has had recurrent bouts of throat infection/tonsillitis
- Has hoarseness that has lasted longer than three weeks.
