Assessment of acne management

Specialty: Dermatology
Age group: Adult

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Severe acne (that is nodulocystic, widespread or with scarring) unresponsive to previous treatments (e.g. at least 4 months of oral antibiotics or combined oral contraceptive or both) that requires further advice on, or review of, the current management plan
• Advice on the management of acne when planning or commencing gender-affirming masculinising hormonal therapy.

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)
• Current and complete medication history (including non-prescription medicines, herbs and supplements)
• Patient’s age
• If the patient is pregnant and if the skin condition is thought to be related to the pregnancy or if the patient is planning a pregnancy.

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.

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.

Cosmetic procedures (including laser procedures) without medical indications are currently restricted in Victorian public hospitals and cannot be performed unless specific medical indications exist.

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

Acne that does not require systemic management.