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<p>Public Health England (PHE) and the National Health Service have detailed information
on the recognition, diagnosis, treatment and management of Lyme disease. PHE has also
written a guide on how to refer patients for specialist advice, which is attached.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also has an online guide for
general practitioners (GP) and other health professionals.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>PHE issues a letter to all GPs on an annual basis at the beginning of the tick
season describing Lyme disease and highlighting the need to be aware and to recognise
the condition. The majority of cases are managed by GPs without reference to specialists,
but problem cases can be referred to neurology, rheumatology, cardiology and infectious
disease clinics depending on the local provision and of services and patient’s symptoms.
In addition to the attached guidance, <em>Suggested referral pathway for patients
with symptoms related to Lyme disease</em>, PHE offers a telephone helpline for GPs
and consultants to discuss particular cases. PHE works closely with the patient group
Lyme Disease Action, who will also represent individuals who have trouble obtaining
specialist advice, and can thus help in suggesting potential routes of referral.</p><p>
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