Tonsillectomy: Indications for referral by family physicians versus indications for surgery by otolaryngologists

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare reasons for family physician (FP) referral of children for tonsillectomy to the indications for this surgery used by otolaryngologists practising in the same region. Method: A checklist-type survey was sent to a random sample of 300 FPs and all of the practising otolaryngologists in Nova Scotia in the spring of 1995. Results: There were significant differences between reasons for referral and indications for treatment in many areas, the most important of which was that over 60% of FPs referred cases because of parental insistence, while no surgeons operated for this reason. If inappropriate referrals are taken to be those for which no specialist intervention occurs, it appears that there is a significant number of referrals. Conclusion: These results suggest that both FPs and parents require information about these common paediatric problems.