Alopecia

Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Adult

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Alopecia areata with extensive (more than 4 bald areas) or rapid hair loss
• Alopecia areata that has not responded to medical management (i.e. moderate or potent topical corticosteroid for at least 4 months)
• Scarring alopecia.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Reason for referral and expectation or outcome, anticipated by the patient, or their carer, and the referring clinician from referral to the health service
• The functional or psychological impact on quality of life or activities of daily living including impact on work, study, social activities or carer role
• Findings on physical examination
• Details of previous management including the course of treatment(s), assessment of adherence to current management plan and outcome of treatment(s)
• Patient’s age.

Provide if available

• Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
• If the person identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the person is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the person is from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Androgenetic alopecia is best managed in primary care.

The referral should note if the request is for a second or subsequent opinion as requests for a second opinion will usually not be accepted.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

Uncomplicated male pattern hair loss.