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Inflammatory Spinal
Outpatients
Information about outpatient clinics for multidisciplinary assessment and management of inflammatory spinal conditions (axial spondyloarthritis).
The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.
Availability
North
Contact central triage:
Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982
North West
Contact central triage:
Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982
Emergency care
If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.
Scope
Patients with known or suspected inflammatory spinal conditions.
Inflammatory back pain is usually insidious in onset at age under 45 and associated with nocturnal pain, stiffness which is worse in the morning over 30 minutes and after rest, and improved with exercise.
If the diagnosis is established, refer if:
- Worsening of disability
- Threat to independence
- Difficulty with employment.
- Assistance needed with self-management
- Advice and long-term monitoring required regarding axial mobility and appropriate exercise programs
Paediatric patients should be referred to paediatric clinic for initial assessment.
Exclusions: * Febrile patients with acute exacerbation of back pain, or acute monoarticular joint pain and swelling with systemic features and high inflammatory markers - needs exclusion of sepsis (refer to ED or d/w rheumatologist).
Referral process
Separate clinic lists are maintained for medical, nursing and physiotherapy aspects of care. Patients are initially assessed by a member of the team, and may then be cross-referred within the clinic as necessary. Registrar cases will be discussed with consultant.
All referrals triaged and allocated to a team member based on clinical priority.
Patients may also be referred for physiotherapy only, and remain under the care of their existing medical practitioner.
Appointments are based on clinical priority.
Where available, eReferral via HealthLink smart forms is now the preferred and only secure method of referral to the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Clinic appointments
Urgent (Category 1)
We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks.
Semi-urgent (Category 2)
We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks.
Routine (Category 3)
Next available appointment.
Additional information
Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia and New to axial SpA (AS).
