We specialise in the comprehensive care of patients with Incidental Pulmonary Nodules (IPNs). As a general practitioner, you are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing health issues. This guide aims to equip you with essential information about our services, referral process and collaborative care model.
Pulmonary nodules are small, round, or oval-shaped lesions that are generally asymptomatic in the lungs. They are between 3 mm and 3 cm in diameter. They can occur as single or multiple events. They can be in contact with the pleura, but most likely they are surrounded by aerated lung tissue on CT scan. Radiologically, they can be classified as solid or subsolid nodules. Subsolid nodules are further differentiated into pure ground glass nodules and mixed solid (part solid) nodules. They can be caused by various factors including infections, inflammation, scars from previous infections and benign or malignant tumors. When a healthcare professional identifies an incidental pulmonary nodule, further evaluation is typically necessary to determine its nature and whether it requires additional monitoring or intervention.
The size, appearance and growth pattern of the nodule(s) are important factors in the evaluation process. Small, stable nodules may not raise significant concern, while larger or growing nodules may prompt more thorough investigation, for example, additional imaging studies, biopsy or close monitoring over time.
Our specialised team, including respiratory-trained radiologists and respiratory physicians, is experienced in the enhanced assessment and management of IPNs. Our goal is to ensure every IPN is assessed and managed according to established international guidelines. This will ensure lung cancer is detected earlier, improving survival rates for patients. It also reduces unnecessary investigations and saves overall healthcare costs.
Employing cutting-edge imaging and AI technology, combined with expert respiratory-trained radiologists, we deliver accurate and reliable diagnostic evaluations with clear recommendations and care plans for the ongoing assessment of IPNs.
From initial detection to ongoing management or treatment, we offer a seamless care pathway for your patients. We ensure end-to-end follow-up and communication with multiple caregivers, including MDT meetings and further referrals to advanced treatments.
We extend our specialist support to your practice through virtual consultations, fostering a collaborative care environment. Our radiologists are available for consultation and discussion, providing communication and advice when required.
We provide educational material and workshops for patients and primary healthcare providers, enhancing the collective understanding of lung health among all healthcare providers.
To refer a patient with an IPN, simply send a referral to the Lung Nodule Clinic. These can be accessed online or using a referral pad. Please contact our office to arrange referral pads and we can send these to you. Additionally, adding the Lung Nodule Clinic as a contact within your practice management software will enable the convenience of online referring. Patients can contact us via a QR code or online following the referral. Our Nurse Navigator will contact the patient once the referral has been received.
We will request (with patient consent) and obtain the radiology images from any radiology provider ensuring all images and reports are maintained in one location. All future lung images or referrals for lung radiology will be managed and booked by our staff to ensure consistency of both imaging protocols and follow up protocols.
Once images are available our specialist radiologists will review and report the findings with the use of AI assistance to determine the nodule classification. Follow up recommendations will be provided and if required, a comprehensive care plan. If further imaging is required, our team will organise additional imaging with radiology clinics within your area.
We prepare detailed reports and management plans. These are communicated directly to you and support you when discussing the recommended actions with your patients. Patients will also be placed on our reminder/recall system to ensure both you and the patient are aware of the next recommended time frames for monitoring and surveillance.
Our team are available for consultations with you promoting a cohesive and collaborative approach in patient centred care.
Thank you for your interest regarding the integration process of eReferrals within your Clinical System. Adopting eReferrals enables your clinicians to send Referrals directly to the Lung Nodule Clinic and supporting the collaboration for us both to provide optimal patient care.
The Lung Nodule Clinics’ IT team, will work with you to: