A specialist referral is a letter from your GP, or from another doctor, that passes your care to a medical specialist. It tells the specialist why you are being referred and lets Medicare pay a rebate for the appointment. This guide explains how referrals work, how long they last and what to do if yours is lost or out of date.
A GP referral is needed to see a medical specialist.
What is a specialist referral?
A referral is a clinical handover. Your GP has assessed you, decided that a specialist opinion or treatment is needed, and written to the specialist with the information they need to see you. Under Medicare rules, a referral must include relevant clinical information about your condition, the date it was written and the signature of the doctor who wrote it.
Many referrals also include your current medicines, allergies, recent test results and the questions your GP would like answered. The more complete the letter, the better prepared your specialist can be for your first appointment.
Why you need a referral
For most specialist appointments, Medicare only pays a rebate when you have a valid referral. Without one, you are likely to pay the full fee yourself. A referral also keeps your GP in the loop: your specialist writes back to your GP after your appointment, so the doctor who knows your overall health stays informed.
Each specialist sets their own fees. Your specialist’s rooms can tell you the fee and the expected Medicare rebate before your appointment. If you have private health insurance, check with your fund about what it covers.
How long does a specialist referral last?
How long a referral lasts depends on who wrote it. Services Australia sets out these periods:
- From a GP: 12 months from your first appointment with the specialist, unless your GP writes a different period on the referral.
- Longer or indefinite referrals: if you need ongoing care, your GP can write a referral for longer than 12 months or with no end date. An indefinite referral does not cover a new or unrelated condition.
- From another specialist: 3 months, unless you are an admitted patient in hospital, when the referral lasts for your admission.
The 12 months starts on the day you first see the specialist, not the day your GP wrote the letter. A referral covers one course of treatment for the condition you were referred for, including your follow-up appointments with that specialist.
Does a referral have to name a specialist?
No. A referral does not have to name a specific specialist. According to the MBS Online patient guide to referrals, if your referral does name a specialist, you can usually still choose to see a different specialist in the same specialty, unless you have already started seeing the one who was named.
If you would like to see a particular specialist, tell your GP. They can write the referral to that specialist, or leave it open so you can choose. A specialist is not obliged to accept every referral, so it is worth calling their rooms to check that they see patients with your condition.
If your referral is lost or out of date
If a written referral is lost, stolen or destroyed, Medicare will accept a “lost referral” for one appointment only. Your specialist’s rooms will need a valid referral before any later appointments can be claimed. Ask your GP for a replacement as soon as you can.
If your referral has expired and you still need care for the same condition, book an appointment with your GP for a new one before your next specialist visit. Your specialist’s rooms can usually tell you when your current referral ends.
Referrals for cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery has its own requirements under Medical Board of Australia guidelines in effect since 1 July 2023. Cosmetic surgery requires a referral, at least two consultations before surgery, and a cooling-off period of at least seven days after consent before surgery is booked.
The referral should preferably come from your usual GP, or from another GP or specialist who works independently of the surgeon. At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the surgeon who will perform the operation. The Medical Board sets out these steps in its codes, guidelines and policies.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Referrals to allied health
You can usually book a private appointment with an allied health practitioner, such as a dietitian or psychologist, without a referral. Medicare rebates for allied health are different. Since 1 July 2025, people with a chronic condition can access Medicare-supported allied health services through a GP chronic condition management plan, with a referral letter from their GP.
Unless your GP writes a different period, these allied health referrals last 18 months from your first appointment. Plans written before 1 July 2025 can still be used until 30 June 2027. Mental health services under Medicare have their own requirements, and your GP can explain which apply to you.
Seeing a specialist at Northern Beaches Specialist Centre
Each specialist at the centre runs an independent practice, with their own bookings, fees and correspondence. To see one of them:
- Ask your GP for a referral. If you want a particular specialist at the centre, your GP can write it to them at Northern Beaches Specialist Centre, Suite 4223, Dee Why Grand, 834 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099.
- Contact the specialist’s rooms to book. Their details are on Our specialists.
- Bring your referral and Medicare card to your first appointment, or check that your GP has sent the referral ahead.
GPs and practice managers can find referral details on the For GPs page. For what to bring and what happens on the day, read what to expect at your first specialist appointment.
Common questions
Does my referral run out if I don’t book straight away?
A GP referral’s 12 months is counted from your first appointment with the specialist, not from the date it was written. If a long time has passed since your GP wrote it, ask whether an updated letter would help your specialist.
Do I need a new referral every year?
For a standard 12-month GP referral, yes, if you keep seeing the specialist for the same condition after it ends. If you need long-term care, ask your GP whether a longer or indefinite referral suits your situation.
Can my GP send the referral straight to the specialist?
Yes. Many GPs send referrals electronically to the specialist’s rooms. Ask for a copy for your own records, and check with the rooms before your appointment that it has arrived.
Can a specialist refer me to another specialist?
Yes. A referral from one specialist to another lasts 3 months, unless you are an admitted patient in hospital. For longer-term care with the second specialist, you may need a referral from your GP.
Medicare rules change from time to time. For the current rules, see Services Australia or ask your GP.