When should I consider referring a patient with VTE for specialist management?

Refer a patient with venous thromboembolism for specialist management if they have a confirmed diagnosis of DVT or PE that requires ongoing anticoagulation treatment or mechanical intervention, especially if there are complications or contraindications to standard treatment ¹.

Consider specialist referral if the patient has a provoked or unprovoked DVT or PE that may need further assessment for underlying causes or thrombophilia testing ¹.

Referral is also appropriate if the patient has a high risk of recurrence, develops complications, or if outpatient management is not suitable or fails, particularly in low-risk PE cases where specialist input is needed for monitoring and follow-up plans ¹.