Referrals
Cellulitis referral checklist
Referral checklist for complicated, recurrent, or treatment-refractory cellulitis.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|cellulitis | infectious disease | workup
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Minimum pre-referral workup
- Defined infection timeline, exam findings, and progression documentation.
- Host-risk review (diabetes, vascular disease, immunocompromise).
- Initial treatment used, adherence, and response over 24-48 hours.
Urgency tier
- Same-day escalation for systemic instability, severe pain out of proportion, or necrotizing-infection concern.
- Expedited referral for recurrent cellulitis or inadequate response to initial management.
- Routine referral for non-urgent recurrence prevention planning.
Referral packet checklist
- Infection site details, severity trend, and border progression notes.
- Baseline labs/imaging where performed and current treatment details.
- Relevant comorbid conditions and medication list.
Pre-referral optimization tasks
- Continue wound-care and hydration instructions.
- Reinforce return precautions for fever, spread, or systemic decline.
- Arrange short-interval interim follow-up while awaiting referral.