Question 1

How long does my specialist referral last?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, a specialist referral from a health practitioner generally lasts 12 months from the date of issue. However, if the referral is marked as "indefinite," it remains valid for an ongoing period. If the time between your referral is issued and your specialist appointment is more than 12 months and your referral is not marked as indefinite, you may need to get an updated referral.¹

¹ https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/referrals-for-specialist-treatment

Question 2

Can you see a specialist without a referral in Australia?

Accepted Answer

You can see a specialist without a referral in Australia; however, unless you go through a health practitioner, you will not be eligible to receive a rebate from Medicare to help cover the cost of the consultation.¹

However, many specialists will require a referral before they see a patient.

¹ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-is-a-referral#without-referral

Question 3

Can I see any specialist with my referral?

Accepted Answer

Your referral can be presented to a specialist of your choice, so long as they are in the same specialty field, even if it’s not the specialist named on your referral letter.

Question 4

How do I request a repeat specialist referral letter?

Accepted Answer

To request a repeat specialist referral letter, you can book a consultation with your regular GP or via an online telehealth provider. During the consultation, explain that you need a repeat referral to the same specialist. If deemed appropriate, your practitioner will issue the repeat referral, which can be sent to you electronically or printed for your use.

Question 5

What can I book a telehealth appointment for?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth allows a doctor or nurse practitioner to provide care to you without an in-person consultation. Services they can provide through telehealth include, but are not limited to:

Medical advice relating to common ailments (including but not limited to allergies, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, cellulitis, cold & flu, diarrhea, infections, respiratory infections, sinusitis, sore throat, UTIs and vomiting)
Medical advice relating to general health concerns
New or repeat prescriptions sent via SMS
Referrals to specialists like paediatricians or cardiologists
Referrals for tests such as blood work or X-rays
Routine chronic disease check ups

If needed, a doctor can provide you with an online medical certificate for work or school (up to 7 days) at their discretion.

All of these services are available from the comfort of your home!

Question 6

What do I need to enable a video consult?

Accepted Answer

For a video consult any smartphone or computer with a camera, speaker, and microphone will work. Your telehealth video consult will open in a web browser so there’s no need to download any additional software.

Question 7

What if I miss the video call?

Accepted Answer

For an on-demand appointment, you should join the video link as soon as you receive it. If you haven't joined by the time the practitioner is ready, they will try to call you. Don't worry if you miss the call. The support team will contact you to fix any issues and reconnect you with the practitioner. If you have any questions about your appointment, you can always reach out to the support team for help.

Question 8

What happens after my online appointment?

Accepted Answer

If needed, the practitioner may send you a digital prescription, provide an online medical certificate, or refer you to a specialist. They might also recommend tests if further investigation is necessary.

Question 9

Can I make a Medicare claim after this appointment?

Accepted Answer

There may be specific instances in which you can claim a Medicare or other rebate for telehealth services, but these are defined by Government, and change from time to time. Your eligibility for this will be determined at the time of your appointment and is at the practitioners discretion. For telehealth only providers, Medicare rebates are generally not available. For local practitioners offering telehealth services, Medicare rebates are generally limited to where you have an existing relationship as defined by:

where you are registered in MyMedicare and the service is provided by your registered practice
when you have previously had a face-to-face appointment with the GP performing the service or another GP at the same practice in the last 12 months
where a practice is a participant in the Approved Medical Deputising Service program, and the Approved Medical Deputising Service provider employing the medical practitioner has a formal agreement with a general practice that has provided at least one face-to-face service to the patient in the 12 months preceding the telehealth attendance.

Under legislation, the existing relationship requirement does not apply in some limited situations which can be found on the Medicare Benefits Schedule website.

Question 10

What's the cancellation policy for telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth consultations require a lot of coordination, so please try to keep your appointment.

If you need to cancel, please let the provider know immediately because rescheduling telehealth consultations can be more complicated than rescheduling a face-to-face appointment.

Online referrals

On-demand consult

Scheduled Consult

Telehealth with your regular GP

Your regular GP

How it works

Choose a service

Book and pay

Connect with Your Practitioner

Receive your documents

When Do I Need a Specialist Referral?

Frequently Asked Questions