When a referring GP successfully uses the new general surgery criteria to refer a patient to a public hospital, patients can be triaged more accurately and be placed directly onto the appropriate specialist clinics waitlist without delay.

The referral information encourages multidisciplinary assessments to support non-surgical care and, when required appropriate direction to surgical treatment through the statewide referral criteria. This is why more information is needed in referrals – to support better access for patients.

The Victorian Department of Health has developed and published statewide referral criteria for a further six general surgery conditions.

General surgery - hernia, oesophageal and hepatobiliary, colon and anorectal conditions

• Abdominal wall and groin hernias
• Hiatus hernia
• Known or suspected hepatobiliary malignancy
• Known or suspected upper gastrointestinal malignancy
• Perianal lumps
• Rectal bleeding (general surgery)

Please note: An update will be provided as to the release of criteria for gallbladder stones and polyps.

The general surgery suite is among 16 suites of statewide referral criteria already in existence across Victoria.

Statewide referral criteria provide referring clinicians clear and consistent guidance about which patients can be seen in public specialist clinics across Victoria and what investigations are necessary to support accurate prioritisation of referrals.

GPs can also visit src.health.vic.gov.au to view the specialist referral criteria.

Statewide referral criteria apply to public hospitals and health services only. They do not apply to private hospitals. Additional specialities are set to be released throughout 2025.