Referrals
Diarrhea referral checklist
Referral checklist for persistent or severe diarrhea presentations requiring specialist input.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|diarrhea | gastroenterology | workup
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Minimum pre-referral workup
- Stool pattern, duration, red-flag symptoms, and hydration status.
- Exposure history (travel, food, antibiotics) and immune-risk profile.
- Baseline investigations and response to supportive treatment.
Urgency tier
- Same-day escalation for severe dehydration, hypotension, bleeding with systemic toxicity, or confusion.
- Expedited referral for persistent symptoms with weight loss or treatment failure.
- Routine referral for stable chronic/recurrent symptoms after initial workup.
Referral packet checklist
- Symptom timeline with stool characteristics and associated systemic signs.
- Completed tests and objective trend data.
- Current medications, comorbidities, and infection-exposure history.
Pre-referral optimization tasks
- Continue hydration/electrolyte support with clear intake targets.
- Reinforce return precautions for worsening weakness, bleeding, or fever.
- Plan interim follow-up while awaiting specialist assessment.