The clinic reviews patients referred for evaluation of a first seizure or a subsequent epileptic seizure in those without a previous diagnosis of epilepsy.
Key points
- This clinic is MBS billed
- Appointments are available in person or via Telehealth
What we do
We review patients referred for evaluation of a first seizure or a subsequent epileptic seizure for patients who do not have a previous epilepsy diagnosis. This includes patients with an episode of neurological disturbance for which the differential diagnosis includes seizure (and may also include cardiac syncope, vasovagal syncope and psychogenic non-epileptic seizure).
Patients are typically reviewed in the clinic for up to three occasions before they are discharged or transferred to an epilepsy clinic for ongoing management.
Who can use our service
This clinic is suitable for:
- Adults (aged 18 years or over)
- Patients with a first presentation of a seizure or seizure-like episode
This clinic is not suitable for:
- Paediatric patients
- Patients with an existing diagnosis of epilepsy, including those patients started on anti-epileptic medications during an inpatient neurology admission (these patients should be reviewed in Epilepsy Assessment Clinic)
Referrals
We accept GP and specialist referrals:
- Use the RMH referral form or a template from your own system
- Complete and fax your referral to Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) on (03) 9342 4234
We do not accept email referrals.
What to include in your referral
As outlined by the Department of Health, referral requests should include:
- Patient demographic information
- Referrer demographic information
- Reason for referral
- Presenting problem
- Service(s) requested
- Required referral information specified by statewide or local referral criteria
- Current patient management
- Impact of the problem on the patient
- Name of the consultant and provider number (for Medicare clinics)
- Investigation reports related to the referral
Urgent and after-hours support
Referrals are triaged based on priority. In an emergency, patients can go to the Emergency & Trauma Service at any time.
For advice, urgent referrals and out of hours support, call The RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000 to page our registrar on call.
Patients residing in metropolitan areas with a closer public outpatient Neurology service will generally not be accepted to this service and should be referred to a centre of care that is closer to their residing address. However, referrals from other hospital Neurology departments for assistance with complex patient management/quaternary care will be accepted. This should be clearly indicated in the referral letter.
Patients residing in regional areas otherwise meeting clinic inclusion criterion will be accepted if nearer public hospitals do not facilitate the same service.
Statewide referral criteria for clinicians strengthens referrals to specialised services in public hospitals and improves access to non-admitted services. You can browse or search by specialty or medical condition.
HealthPathways Melbourne provides guidance on best practice assessment and management of common medical conditions, including when and where to refer patients.
Parkville Connect is a secure web-based portal providing GPs, specialists and other health professionals with information in the Parkville electronic medical record (EMR).
Need to change or cancel your appointment?
Do one of the following:
- Access Health Hub to change the appointment yourself
- Complete our online form and we'll change it for you
- Call Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) on (03) 9342 7393 and we'll help you over the phone
What to bring
For a clinic appointment
If you come for a clinic appointment, you should also bring:
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- Your appointment book (if relevant)
- TAC or WorkCover claim number
Interpreters and cultural support
We provide qualified, professional interpreters to help you communicate with us at any time during your stay and at your clinic appointments.
- Μάθετε περισότερα γιά διερμηνείς & υποστήριξη κουλτούρας
- Scopri di più sugli interpreti e sul supporto culturale
- Tercümanlar ve kültürel destek hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinmek için
- Tìm hiểu thêm về thông dịch viên và hỗ trợ văn hóa
- 找出更多翻译与文化支持的信息
- لمزيدٍ من المعلومات عن خدمة الترجمة الشفهية والخدمات الثقافية
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria