Referrals
Earache/otitis referral checklist
Referral checklist for recurrent, severe, or complicated ear infections and persistent ear pain.
Last reviewed 2026-02-07|earache | otitis | ent
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Minimum pre-referral workup
- Symptom chronology, fever burden, and pain severity assessment.
- Otoscopic findings and recurrence history.
- Initial treatment response and adherence review.
Urgency tier
- Same-day escalation for mastoiditis concern, toxic appearance, or neurologic complications.
- Expedited referral for recurrent infections with hearing or developmental concern.
- Routine referral for persistent non-urgent symptoms despite first-line management.
Referral packet checklist
- Structured symptom course and exam findings.
- Treatments tried, duration, and response timeline.
- Relevant comorbidities, medications, and hearing-risk context.
Pre-referral optimization tasks
- Reinforce analgesia plan and hydration monitoring.
- Provide return precautions for worsening fever, swelling, or neurologic symptoms.
- Arrange follow-up while awaiting specialist review.