Referral Criteria for the UK ME/CFS specialist Clinic
Target Patient Group: Adults (aged 18+) with suspected or confirmed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia or Long COVID who meet the NICE Guideline criteria for referral to specialist services.
The referring clinician (GP) MUST ensure the following criteria are met before referral:
1. Exclusion of Alternative Diagnoses (Mandatory blood tests within 12 months of referral)
Full Blood Count (FBC)
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Urea & Electrolytes (U&Es)
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Bone profile
Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) (Including TSH, Free T4)
HbA1c / Fasting Glucose
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Ferritin
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Coeliac screen (Tissue transglutaminase antibodies)
2. Required Documentation
All referrals must be accompanied by the patient's current, up-to-date Summary Care Record (SCR) or equivalent clinical summary detailing:
Full active and inactive problems list (including any rheumatological conditions, and previous ME/CFS or long-COVID diagnoses).
Full list of current medications and dosages.
any other relevant investigations (e.g., ECG, brain imaging if performed).
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients under the age of 18.
Patients requiring immediate crisis mental health intervention or acute psychiatric assessment.
Patients whose symptoms are fully explained by another confirmed medical diagnosis.