Vascular Studies Unit |
B56
|
Diagnostics: Vascular Ultrasound
Diagnostics: Vascular Ultrasound
Referrals
GPs have open access to the following investigations:
- US Ankle Brachial Pressure Index – for assessment of symptomatic lower limb arterial disease (ulceration, claudication, possible rest pain) and prior to /during compression hoisery application
- US Doppler leg veins- for assessment of lower limb veins for possible DVT or superficial vein thrombosis.
- US Doppler arm veins - for assessment of upper limb veins for possible DVT or superficial vein thrombosis.
- US Abdominal Aorta - for assessment of new incidental findings of AAA, family history of AAA, or query pulsatile mass.
- US Doppler Carotid arteries - for assessment of symptoms of pulsatile tinnitus , pulsatile mass, audible bruit and dizziness.
Please note GPs DO NOT have open access to the following investigations:
- US Arterial Duplex – Assessment for lower or upper limb arterial disease
- US Venous Compression/Insuffiency (UNLESS the query is regarding confirmation of venous incompetence as cause of lower limb swelling WITH NO PLAN FOR FUTURE varicose vein INTERVENTION)
- US assessment for possible thoracic outlet
If you require an investigation listed above that you do not have open access for a referral should be made for Vascular consultant opinion via referapatient or ERS to determine most suitable form of imaging.
If your query is regarding a carotid duplex for Stroke/TIA symptoms please ensure the patient is referred to the Stroke/TIA team who will ensure the patient receives a duplex at a One Stop appointment if required.
DVT referrals
All referrals for ultrasound for suspected DVT(upper and lower limb) should be made via ICE. If you are unable to refer via ICE please contact Vascular Studies directly (Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm) to discuss or send an urgent email referral to:
ruh-tr.vascularstudies@nhs.net
Please be advised this email box is NOT monitored over the weekend and therefore any referral made via email on Friday after 4.30pm will not be actioned until Monday after 8.15am.
Additional Information for those GPs making a referral for Varicose Vein Assessment:
All referrals for vascular opinion and assessment (including a duplex scan) for patients with varicose veins should be made via ERS to NBT Vascular team at Southmead Hospital.
Prior to referring the patient to Southmead Hospital, GPs must ensure they have obtained BANES ICB prior approval funding for vascular opinion and assessment ONLY. If this prior approval funding is not in place for opinion only your referral will be rejected at Southmead Hospital and returned.
Once the patient has attended for their vascular opinion and assessment including a duplex scan and they are deemed a suitable candidate for varicose vein treatment (ie. they have had two documented episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis, persistent ulceration etc) the patient resides under secondary care. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Consultant to then complete the funding paperwork for treatment purposes only.