What are the recommended referral criteria for a patient with suspected Parkinson's disease?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 14 August 2025Updated: 14 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Refer all people with suspected Parkinson's disease urgently, and untreated, to a specialist with expertise in movement disorders, such as a neurologist or elderly care physician, to confirm the diagnosis and exclude alternative diagnoses .

Refer adults with suspected parkinsonian tremor, asymmetric tremor, or tremor associated with stiffness, slowness, balance problems, or gait disorders for neurological assessment before treatment .

If there is uncertainty about the ongoing diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, seek advice from the person's specialist in movement disorders .

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