New statewide referral criteria for referrals to lung nodule services are now in effect

March 16, 2026

Statewide referral criteria is now in effect for adult lung nodule conditions in public hospitals.

The Victorian Department of Health has developed and published statewide referral criteria for lung nodule condition.

The aim of statewide referral criteria is to improve access to public hospitals in Victoria by providing clear and concise guidance on when a referral for specialist opinion and management is indicated.

Patients can be placed on a specialist clinic wait list when a referring GP provides information that shows the referral meets the statewide specialist referral criteria.

The criteria identify the information that should be included in a referral to assess the referral and direct the patient to the best service available.

This new adult lung nodule criteria sits within respiratory conditions, a suite previously developed and published by the Victorian Department of Health in 2024.

Referral criteria for adult lung nodule

Visit Department of Health website when considering a referral for a patient: Statewide Referral Criteria | health.vic.gov.

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