CATEGORY DEFINITIONS
These are recommended guidelines for health professionals referring patients for assessments / treatment in a HHS.

within 1 week

within 4 weeks

within 16 weeks

Immediate and Urgent cases must be discussed with the Specialist or Registrar in order to get appropriate prioritisation and then a referral letter sent with the patient, faxed or e-mailed.  The times to assessment may vary depending on size and staffing of the hospital department.

Evaluation by history of drug usage

Stop responsible agent(s) and report case to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)

Severe skin reactions e.g. erythema multiforme.

Category 1   

Tests for drug allergy are usually not available.

Other References: 

Differential Diagnosis in Dermatology.  Richard Ashton & Barbara Leppard.  Radcliffe Medical Press. 1990