The Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic (RALLC) provides a single referral pathway for patients with a proven or suspected diagnosis of Lung Cancer.

Patient Information Health Professionals

What do we do?

This multidisciplinary clinic includes a team of specialists from Oncology, Surgery and Respiratory Medicine. The clinic aims to expedite the assessment process and provide streamlined and timely care.

Evidence has shown Rapid Access Clinics are associated with faster diagnosis, less hospital visits and reduced patient anxiety. 

Grampians Health Ballarat Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic (RALLC) – MBS funded (no out of pocket expense for the patient)

Who do we care for?

Patients who have a diagnosis or are suspected diagnosis of lung cancer.

How can you access this service?

A referral from a GP or medical practitioner to a named specialist is required to access this service. 

Referral process

The Clinic is MBS-funded and, as such, a referral to a named specialist is required.

Please use the BHS SMART referral template where possible.  This clinic will be added to version 8 of the BHS SMART template - in the interim ‘MBS Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic (RALLC) - Dr Brown’ can be typed in.

 

Please fax referrals to 5320 3080

Information required on referral:

  • History of presenting signs and symptoms
  • Smoking status
  • Past medical history, including current medications and allergies
  • All prior relevant investigations and imaging
  • Relevant psychology history
  • Up-to-date patient contacts

Please include/attach the following results:

  • Chest X-ray essential
  • Full Blood examination: FBE,U&E, LFT, CMP, Coagulation Profile
  • CT Scan chest, if available

For further information, please contact:

Clinical Lead:  Dr Wasek Faisal, Medical Oncologist: (03) 5320 8500

RALLC Coordinator: Ms Kath McCann: 0437 270 743

Who can be referred?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer
  • A patient whose chest X-ray is suspicious of lung cancer.
  • A patient who has haemoptysis or other symptoms, which are concerning or persistent even if their chest X-ray is normal

Red flags for Lung Cancer

Any of the following unexplained, persistent signs or symptoms lasting more than three weeks (or less than 3 weeks in people with known risk factors) are indications for an urgent chest x-ray:

 

·         Haemoptysis

·         Chest or shoulder pain

·         Persistent new or changed cough

·         Abnormal chest signs

·         Shortness of breath

·         Finger clubbing

·         Hoarseness of voice

·         Cervical and/or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy

·         Weight loss or loss of appetite

·         Signs of pleural effusion

·         Features suggestive of metastasis from a lung cancer

·         Unresolved chest infection

 

 

Persistent/massive haemoptysis and/or signs of superior vena cava obstruction and/or signs of stridor require immediate referral to an emergency department.

 

Have something to tell us? We welcome all feedback from patients, family members or carers. Tell us more.