A referral letter is required prior to specialist consultations. Referrals are intended to be a process initiated by your GP, and need annual review. It is illegal for us to “backdate” referrals, carrying a fine up to $10,000. Specialists should inform you if your referral will need renewing, so please make an appointment with us, allowing plenty of time in advance of any specialist consultation for referral letters.

When you make a follow up appointment with your specialist, they should let you know if you need a new referral or the existing one is still in date. GP referrals are valid for 12 months. When booking your appointment with the specialist, please ask if you require a new referral.

You can see your specialist without a GP referral, however you will not be entitled to received a Medicare rebate without a current referral.

It is illegal for doctors to back date referrals.

It is at the discretion of the doctor to authorise this request and write a referral. A $20 fee will be charged for writing each referral requested without an appointment.