Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Different Letters
Different Letters
Different Letters
*Case note is blurry, but most information are irrelevant, so just refer to the details
written down
Mrs Henning was presented to the Emergency Department today after experiencing chest
pain that might be attributable to gastro-esophageal reflux. Your follow up care is highly
appreciated.
Paragraph two
Details: 6/01/2016 – new onset of chest pain 2-3 episodes, “compression” pain only at
night, improved with repositioning (use 2 pillows), recently consuming larger meals at night
Mrs Henning presented with 2-3 bouts of chest pain. She also complained that she felt
“compression” pain on her chest at night, which was relieved by repositioning herself
using two pillows. In addition, she mentioned that she has been eating larger meals at
night recently.
Mrs Henning presented with 2-3 bouts of chest pain. She complained of compression-like
chest pain at night, which can only be alleviated by elevating herself with the help of two
pillows. She also reported that she has been consuming larger meals at night recently.
Paragraph three
Details: generally thin, vitals such as BP, heart sounds, abdomen sounds are normal
An assessment noted that Mrs Henning is thin. However, her Vitals such as BP, heart sounds,
Or we can simply put this information in paragraph 2 saying that: Mrs Henning’s physical
Paragraph four
Details: provisional diagnosis – chest pain resulting from GERD as only when lying down /
Chest pain – discontinue eating 2-3 hours prior to sleep, follow up with GP in 3-4 weeks –
if chest pain continues despite meal adjustment – call GP or visit emergency department.
My provisional diagnosis of Mrs Henning is chest pain attributable to GERD because her
pain is only present when she is lying down or after she has consumed larger meals at
night. As you are aware that Mrs Henning has COPD, it is recommended for her to continue
with her current medications – albuterol inhalers. Regarding Mrs Henning’s chest pain, it
is advisable for her to stop eating 2-3 hours before sleeping. However, if this chest pain
persists or is triggered by exertion, she should consult you or visit the emergency
department immediately.
Mrs Henning’s condition is an indicative of chest pain attributable to GERD because her
pain is only present either when she is lying down or after eating larger meals at night. The
fact that pain doesn’t occur during exertion supports the finding. Since Mrs Henning has
COPD, it is recommended for her to adhere to her current medications. Regarding Mrs
Henning’s chest pain, it is advisable for her to avoid eating 2-3 hours before sleeping.
However, if this chest pain persists or if it is triggered by exertion, she should report it to
Paragraph one
Details: fell at home this morning, no injury found, neighbor came to her assistance
and called the ambulance, disheveled, unable to get up from the ground by herself,
seemed confused, unable to contact her children so left message on daughter’s message
bank, neighbor claimed that she had a few recent falls which needed assistance,
Mrs Jenkis fell at home this morning but we couldn’t find any specific injuries. Her
neighbor came to her assistance and called the ambulance. When her neighbor found her,
she was disheveled and was unable to get up from the ground by herself. Her neighbor
also reported that she had a few recent falls requiring assistance. Although she was
aware about her surroundings and people, she seemed to be confused about the date and
time. (*She also seemed to be suffering from some memory loss) We were unable to contact
Mrs Jenkis’s children, so I sent a message to her daughter’s message bank.
Paragraph three
Details:
hypertensive, atrial fibrillation, rhonchi heard in lungs, chest x-ray: cardiomegaly
leukocytes in urine ward
no clinical fractures noted hips lower limbs, hips full range of motion, no
shortening / abnormal rotation of legs, osteoporosis, ambulates without pain
healing grazes and bruise elbows,
According to our assessment, we noted that Mrs Jenkin’s had some healing grazes and
bruises on her elbows due to her previous falls. X-rays of her hips and legs were normal
and she was able to ambulate without any pain. However, she was hypertensive, had atrial
fibrillation and cardiomegaly (borderline), and some leukocytes were found in her urine
ward.
Details: Discharge plan – letter to GP to follow up: TFTs, digoxin test, MSU, Geri rv,
home help / placement
Could you please follow up and act on her TFTs, digoxin levels and MSU results? In
addition, would you consider her for a geriatric review? Finally, she may require home
help or placement into care. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Referral letter – obesity
Notes
Model letter sample 1
Surgeon
Richmond, Melbourne
Paragraph one: Patient / Condition / Purpose – formats are more or less fixed for all
referral letters
recommendation for treatment (but in paragraph 1, lets keep it brief – evaluation and
treatment. We will save the details - Evaulation of obesity, recommendation for treatment
I am referring Andy Williams (*Patient), who has been suffering from obesity
appreciative.
Thankyou for seeing Andy Williams (*Patient), who has been suffering from obesity
Paragraph 2
Details: 163 cm, 155.5 kg, BMI 46.6, family history of obesity, medical history (type 2
diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, BG levels 100-130 mg/dl, triglycerides 201 mg/dl,
serum insulin insulin 19 IU/ml). Medications (30 and 70 units of NPH insulin before
breakfast / before or after dinner, 850 mg metformin twice daily, atorvastatin, lisinopril
and nifedipine)
Mr Williams has a family history of obesity. He weighs 155.5 kg and his BMI is around
46.6 kg/m2. He presents with diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. Lab reports
showed (revealed) that his blood glucose was within 100-130 mg/dl and serum insulin
and triglycerides were 19 IU/ml and 201 mg/dl respectively. His medications included 30
and 70 units of NPH insulin before breakfast / before or after dinner, 850 mg metformin
Details: Childhood obesity, gains weight every decade, at highest adult weight,
dietician,
Mr Williams has been suffering from obesity since he was a child. He participated in
various weight loss programs and even consulted a dietician. However, these failed to
tackle his obesity problem (failed to reduce his weight to an acceptable range)
*Alternatively, it might be better to combine: family history of obesity, weighs 155.5 kg,
childhood obesity together into one paragraph and diabetes / hypertension, lab reports,
Paragraph 2
Mr Williams has a family history of obesity. He has been suffering from obesity since
dietician, he continues to put on weight and currently weighs 155.5 kg with a BMI of 46.6
kg / m2.
Paragraph 3
Mr Williams presents with diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea, for which he is taking
30 and 70 units of NPH insulin before breakfast / before or after dinner, 850 mg
metformin twice daily, atorvastatin, lisinopril and nifedipine. Lab reports showed that his
blood glucose fell within 100-130 mg/dl and serum insulin and triglycerides were 19
Paragraph 4 Details: Diet - 3 meals / day. Reports limited fast food consumption 2 nights
health / wants to get life under control, wants to learn about surgical options, partner
encouraging.
Mr Williams eats 3 regular meals per day. He limits fast food consumption and doesn’t
drink any alcohol. However, he claims (reports / said that) to binge eat occasionally due
to stress. He has the support of his partner and is considering surgical treatments that
may help him get his weight and general health under control.
Paragraoh 5 - Request: more or less the same format for all referall lettes - In the view
of above, kindly evaluate ……
In the view of above, kindly evaluate Mr William’s condition and suggest him the most
appropriate treatment regime. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Referral letter – Allergies
Notes
Model letter
Dr Ian Robson
Allergist
Central Hospital Oldtown
17/06/18
Dear Dr Robson
Paragraph one
I am referring Mr Riddle, who is presenting with asthmatic symptoms, to you for further
testing and identification of his allergies.
Paragraph 2
Details: family history of asthma, childhood asthma – nil episodes 8 years, eczema
(periodic), no known allergies
Mr Riddle has a family history of asthma. He was diagnosed with childhood asthma, which
was well controlled for the past 8 years (which didn’t show any symptoms for the past
8 years). He has eczema but no known allergies.
Paragraph 3:
Details:
*?? Perhaps it might be alright if I made the following alterations: 1 month later, Mr
Riddle’s Pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator values and response positive
percentage indicated an asthma episode, which was treated with oral prednisolone and
albuterol inhaler.
Paragraph 4
Details: 14/6/18 - sleep disruption, albuterol increased, eczema flare, vitals (BP,
pulse, respiratory rate) above normal levels, Oxygen saturation and PaO2 below normal
level. Auscultation – bilaterally diminished lung sounds, expiratory wheezing,
administered oxygen 3L, attained O2 sat 93%, albuterol hourly, IV corticosteroid –
positive response. 17/8/18 – discussed environmental triggers, proper inhaler technique
On 14/6/18, he presented with sleep difficulties and eczema. His blood pressure, pulse
respiratory rate were above normal levels, whereas, his oxygen saturation and PaO2 were
below normal levels. Auscultations revealed diminished lung sounds and expiratory
wheezing. 3L of oxygen, albuterol (hourly) and IV corticosteroid were administered. 2
months later, I educated him about environmental triggers and proper inhaler technique.
*Alternatively, we can omit details such as: “His vitals such as: blood pressure, pulse
respiratory rate were above normal levels, whereas, his oxygen saturation and PaO2 were
below normal levels.” Because 3 L of oxygen, albuterol and IV corticosteroid managed
to deal with them.
Modified answer: on 14/6/18, he presented with sleep difficulties and eczema. His vitals
such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, were not within normal levels. Diminished
lung sounds and expiratory wheezing were heard during auscultation. Oxygen, hourly
albuterol and IV corticosteroid were administered. On subsequent visits, I educated him
on environmental triggers and proper inhaler technique.
So: Model answer: Twelve days later, he presented again with an acute exacerbation of
bronchial asthma that was treated with oxygen, hourly albuterol and intravenous
corticosteroids. Subsequent to this visit, he was educated about possible environmental
triggers and proper inhaler technique.
Paragraph 5:
In view of the above, kindly conduct the necessary allergenic tests and provide guidance
on environmental management. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Referral letter – arrhythmia (heart flutter)
Read the cases notes below and complete the writing task which
follows:
Today's Date
08.08.09
Patient History
Dulcie Wood
DOB 15.07.43
03.07. 09
Subjective
Widowed January 06, three children, wants regular check up, has
noticed uncomfortable feeling in her chest several times in the last
few weeks like a heart flutter.
Mother died at 52 of acute myocardial infarction, non smoker, rarely
drinks alcohol
Current medication: zocor 20mg daily, calcium caltrate 1 daily
No known allegeries
Objective
BP 145/75 P 80 regular
Ht 160cm Wt 61kg
Cardiovascular and respiratory examination normal ECG normal
Plan
Prescribe Noten 50 gm ½ tablet daily in am. Advise to keep record
of frequency of fibrillation sensation.
Review in 2 weeks if no increase in frequency.
17.07.09
Subjective
Reports sensations less but woke up twice at night during last 2
weeks
Objective
BP 135/75 P70 regular
Assessment
Increase Noten to 50 gm daily ½ tablet am and ½ tablet pm
Advise review in one month.
08.08.09
Subjective
Initial improvement but in last 3 days heart seems to be fluttery
several times a day and also at night. Very nervous and upset.
Wants a referral to a cardiologist Dr.Vincent Raymond who treated
her sister for same condition
Objective
BP 180/90 P70
Action
Contact Dr Raymond’s receptionist and you are able to arrange an
appointment for Mrs Wood at 8am on 14/08/09
Writing Task
In your answer:
08/08/09
Dr Vincent Raymond
422 Wickham Tce
Brisbane, 4001
Dear Dr Raymond,
Re: Dulcie Wood
DOB: 15/07/43
Please note that her mother died of acute myocardial infarction and
her sister, who is a patient of yours, has a similar condition.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Z
Notes
Model letter sample 1
Dr Jan Walker
Pulmonologist
Epstein Clinic
393 Victorian Road
Richmond, Melbourne
2 September 2017
Dear Dr Walker
Re: Susan Forrest (DOB: 19/05/1997) - (Re: patient and age / DOB. If age and DOB are
both given, write DOB instead)
Paragraph one: Patient / Condition / Purpose – formats are more or less fixed for all
referral letters
I am referring Susan Forrest (*Patient), who has been suffering from asthma (*Condition),
to you for assessment and treatment evaluation (*Purpose)
Paragraph 2
Details:
Susan Forrest has a family history of asthma and has been suffering from asthma since
4 years old. In addition, she experienced two asthma exacerbations (most recent in 2015)
which caused her to become hospitalized. She also presents with allergic rhinitis and
eczema. On top of that, she has been smoking around 10-15 cigarettes every day for the
past 7 years.
Paragraph 3
*Actually, we don’t have to include that much details on drugs. Simply: Currently, she
is administered with Ventolin (albuterol), symbicort and Zyrtec……
Paragraph 4
Details:
25/8/17, short of breath – ongoing, nocturnal cough 7 nights, Ventolin use increase
2/9/17 – pulse, temperature, BP within normal limits; CXR clear; FBE clear; PEF 400
L/min
She presented (came to) at my clinic on 25/8/17 complaining about an ongoing shortness
of breath, persistent night coughs, and the need to increase Ventolin usage. During her
next visit on 2/9/17 (*This is too long winded, use “one week later” instead since
25/8/17 to 2/9/17 is around one week). Her pulse, temperature and blood pressure are
all within normal limits, her chest X-ray is clear and her PEF is 400 L/min.
Paragraph 5
*Notice that the assessment and evaluation here are pretty brief. It didn’t specify
assessment of what? Evaluation of what? Here we can add more details based on our
understanding of the case notes.
Read the cases notes below and complete the writing task that
follows
Today's Date
03.07.09
Patient History
Margaret Leon 01 .08. 49
Gender: Female
14.01.09
Subjective
Wants general check up, single, lives with and takes care of elderly
mother.
Father died bowel cancer aged 50.
Had colonoscopy 3 years ago. Clear
Does not smoke or drink
Objective
BP 160/90 PR 70 regular
Ht 152cm
Wt 69 kg
On no medication.
No known allergies.
Assessment
Overweight. Advised on exercise & weight reduction.
Borderline hypertension.
Review in 3 months
25.04.09
Subjective
Feeling better in part due to weight loss
Objective
BP 140/85
PR 70 regular
Ht 152cm
Wt 61 kg
Assessment
Making good progress with weight. Blood pressure within normal
range
03.07.09
Subjective
Saw blood in the toilet bowl on two occasions after bowel motions.
Depressed and very anxious. Believes she has bowel cancer.
Trouble sleeping.
Objective
BP 180/95 P 88 regular
Ht 152cm Wt 50 kg
Cardiovascular and respiratory examination normal.
Rectal examination shows no obvious abnormalities.
Assessment
Need to investigate for bowel cancer
Refer to gastroenterologist for assessment /colonoscopy.
Prescribe 15 gram Alepam 1 tablet before bed.
Advise patient this is temporary measure to ease current
anxiety/sleeplessness.
Review after BP appointment with gastroenterologist
Writing Task
In your answer:
Thank you for seeing my patient, Margaret Leon, who has been very
concerned about blood in her stools. She has seen blood in the
toilet bowl on two occasions after bowel motion. She is very anxious
and as well as that depressed because her father died of bowel
cancer and she feels she may have the same condition.
Margaret has otherwise been quite healthy. She does not drink or
smoke and is not taking any medication. She was slightly
overweight six months ago with borderline high blood pressure. At
that time I advised her to lose weight which she did successfully.
Three months later, her weight had dropped from 69kg to 61kg and
blood pressure was back within normal range.
Yours sincerely,
Dr X (GP)
Referral letter – fibroids
Model letter
Paragraph two
Details
3/1/19 – very tired, pale, heavy periods for 9 months, passing large clots, change
pads and tampons frequently, appetite unchanged
Mrs Fielding first presented to my clinic with her husband on 3/1/19. She appeared pale
and fatigue. She complained about heavy periods (menorrhagia suspected) for 9 months,
which required her to change pads and tampons very frequently, even during the night.
In addition, she observed large blood clots during her periods.
Paragraph three
Systemic examination was unremarkable and thyroid tests and vaginal inspection were
normal. However, a Pelvic examination found that she has an enlarged uterus.
Paragraph four
Details: provisional diagnosis – fibroids, ordered blood tests: FBC, TFT, coagulation
(send to gynecologist once received), pap smear (> 2 years since previous test),
transvaginal examination, iron supplement – floradix before meals, stop aspirin intake
/ change to panadol for pain relief
My provisional diagnosis of Mrs Fielding is fibroids. I have ordered the following blood
tests: FBC, TFT and coagulation, for which I instructed Mrs Fielding to forward them to
you upon receiving. Mrs Fielding is deal for a pap smear as her last test was more than
2 years ago. I also ordered a transvaginal examination to help identify the cause of
her unexplained bleeding.
I prescribed Mrs Fielding with floradix and advised her to stop taking aspirin and
consume Panadol instead should she experiences pain.
For case notes like this – with one provisional diagnosis at the very end, we can write
the letter this way
Paragraph one
Paragraph two:
Details: father – peptic ulcer, 2004 dyspepsia, 2006 dermatitis; Rx oral and topical
corticosteroids
Ms Hall has a history of peptic ulcer. She was diagnosed with dyspepsia in 2004 and
dermatitis in 2006, for which she was prescribed oral and topical corticosteroids.
Paragraph three
Paragraph four
Details: URTI self -mediated with OTC Chinese herbal product – contents unknown, recent
increase in coffee consumption, takes aspirin occasionally (2-3 times / month)
Paragraph five
Details: non-smoker (since children born), social drinker (mainly sprints), BMI 28.2
Please also note that Ms Hall has stopped smoking for many years, is a social drinker
(mainly sprints), and has a BMI of around 28.2.
Paragraph six
In the view of above, I am concerned that Ms Hall’s condition will worsen, and it would
be highly appreciated if you can conduct further investigations and necessary
managements, to confirm my provisional diagnosis (indicate definitive diagnosis)
Or simply
In the view of above, kindly evaluate Ms hall’s condition and conduct the necessary
investigations to confirm my provisional diagnosis.
Referral letter – memory loss
Notes
Your long-term patient, Mrs Walshman, has attended your GP surgery with her daughter.
Both are concerned about Mrs Walshman’s memory.
26 March 2018
BP 145 / 85
FBE: U&E, LFTs – all NAD
Total cholesterol 4.8 mmol/l (<5.5)
HDL cholesterol 1.4 mmol/l (0.9-2.2)
*LDL cholesterol 2.9 mmol/l (<2.0)
Triglycerides 1.1 mmol/l (0.5-2.0)
LDL/HDL 2:1
Chol/HDL 3:4
*Vitamin D < 54 (60-160 mmol/l)
Discussions:
spare scripts – not filling them or not taking medication regularly
Assures me she is taking medication regularly
Suggested Webster pack (a sealed weekly calender pack designed to help people take
their medication correctly), was reluctant, promised to adhere to medication regime
Review 2 months, post-pathology
1 August 2018
Writing task – using the information given in the case notes, write a letter of
referral to Dr Jones at the Newtown memory clinic, 400 Rail rd, Newtown, to provide him
with your brief assessment and request full memory assessment and diagnosis.
Model letter
Re: Mrs Patricia Welshman (DOB: 10/07/1933) – (Re: patient and age / DOB. If age and
DOB are both given, write DOB instead)
Paragraph 1: patient, condition, purpose. Format is more or less the same
Patient – Mrs Welshman. Condition – memory issues. Purpose – full memory assessment
and final diagnosis
I am referring Mrs Welshman, a long-term patient of mine, who is presenting with memory
issues, to you for full memory assessment and final diagnosis.
Paragraph 2:
Details:
1 August 2018
Mrs Welshman and her daughter came to my clinic on 1 August 2018 to discuss about Mrs
Welshman’s failing memory issues, which were evident in examples such as: forgetting
appointments and engagements. In addition, Mrs Welshman demonstrated behavioral changes
and experienced decision- making difficulties. I conducted a mini memory assessment and
found out that Mrs Welshman was suffering from poor short-term memory as she was unable
to remember the day and date of recent events. Mrs Welshman has a family history of
Alzheimer. However, more assessments need to be conducted prior to confirming the
diagnosis.
Model paragraph
Mrs Welshman and her daughter presented at my clinic to discuss the deteriorating state
of her memory. They cited several examples of forgetfulness including missing
appointments and perceived changes in her behavior and decision making. Upon conducting
a mini memory assessment, the patient’s short term memory was found to be poor and she
was unable to recall the day and date. Given that there is a family history of
Alzheimer’s disease, Mrs Welshman and her family are clearly anxious and have asked
for a more extensive evaluation.
Paragraph 3
Details
In terms of past medical history, Mrs Welshman failed to take her medications for
hyperlipidemia and Vitamin D deficiency regularly. Moreover, she had not been filling
up spare scripts. Therefore, a Webster pack had to be implemented to help her better
manage her medications.
Paragraph 4
*Notice that full memory assessment is detailed enough because it specifies what kind
of assessment that should be conducted. However, diagnosis is pretty brief here. Here,
we can add other details based on our own understanding of the case notes.
In the view of above, kindly conduct a full memory assessment and other appropriate
follow up on Mrs Welshman to confirm the provisional diagnosis. I have arranged Mrs
Welshman for another appointment after your assessment. Should you have any questions,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
In the view of above, kindly conduct a full memory assessment and other appropriate
follow up on Mrs Welshman prior to reaching a final diagnosis (so that a final diagnosis
can be made /so as to come up with a final diagnosis). I have arranged Mrs Welshman for
another appointment after your assessment. Should you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Referral letter - meningitis
Today’s Date
14.10.10
Patient History
Amina Ahmed aged 8 years – new patient at your clinic Parents – Mother Ayama,
house-wife. Father Talan, cab driver Brothers Dalma aged 4 and Roble aged 2
Family refugees from Somali 2005. Have Australian Citizenship Amina and father
good understanding of English, mother has basic understanding of slowly spoken
English. Amina had appendicectomy 2 years ago
No known allergies
09/10/10
Subjective
Objective
Pulse 85/min
Temperature 39.4
No rash
No neck stiffness
CVS, RS & abdo – normal
Assessment
Viral infection
Management
12/10/10
Subjective
Objective
Fever 39.8 C
No rash or neck stiffness
Management
14/10/10
Subjective
Objective
Assessment
Plan
Writing Task
You are GP, Dr Lucy Irving, Kelvin Grove Medical Centre, 53 Goma Rd, Kelvin
Grove, Brisbane. Write a referral letter to the Duty Registrar, Emergency
Paediatric Unit, Brisbane General Hospital, 140 Grange Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD,
4222.
In your letter:
Dear Doctor:
Re. Amina Ahmed (8years)
Yours sincerely.
Read the cases notes below and complete the writing task which follows
Today's Date
15.08.09
Patient History
Darren Walker
DOB 05.07.69
09.07. 09
Subjective
Regular check up, Family man, wife, two sons aged 5 and 3
Parents alive - father age 71 diagnosed with prostate cancer 2002.
Mother age 68 hypertension diagnosed 1999.
Smokes 20 cigarettes per day –trying to give up
Works long hours – no regular exercise
Light drinker 2 –3 beers a week
Objective
BP 165/90 P 80 regular
Cardiovascular and respiratory examination normal
Height 173 cm Weight 85kg
Urinalysis normal
Plan
Advise re weight loss, smoking cessation
Review BP in 1 month
Request PSA test before next visit
14.08.09
Subjective
Reduced smoking to 10 per day
Attends gym twice a week, Weight 77 kg
Complains of discomfort urinating
Objective
BP 145/80 P76
DRE hardening and enlargement of prostate
PSA reading 10
Plan
Review BP, smoking reduction in 2 months
Refer to urologist – possible biopsy prostate
Writing Task
In your answer:
Sample letter
15/08/2008
Dear Doctor,
Yours sincerely,
Dr.X
Transfer letter – rehabilitation
Notes
Model letter
Thankyou for accepting Mr Mc Donald, who has recently undergone a total left knee joint
replacement operation performed by specialist Mr B Mossley, for rehabilitation.
Paragraph two
Mr Mc Donald has been suffering from osteoarthritis for the past 10 years and was
diagnosed with gout since 2010. He is obese (BMI 35), has hypertension and
hypocholesteremia, and he smokes and drinks alcohol excessively. Furthermore, as a
child, he experienced a rash after taking penicillin.
Paragraph three
Paragraph four
Details: significant post operation pain, morphine inadequate, ketamine infused, ongoing
pain following, amitriptyline commenced – ceased due to urinating difficulty, slow to
mobilize partly from pain, catheter specimen of urine (CSU) – Staph. Saphrolyticus,
keflex given in addition to antibiotics, insomnia noted
Paragraph five
Please note that Mr Mc Donald has an appointment with Mr Mosley 6 weeks post-operatively
on 7/9/18
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.