Specialist Referral Online Australia
Need to see a medical specialist?
You can speak with an Australian-registered GP through an online consultation to discuss your symptoms, health concerns and whether a specialist referral may be appropriate.
Your doctor will assess your individual circumstances and determine whether specialist assessment is clinically appropriate. If a referral is suitable, it may be prepared and provided electronically.
BOOK AN ONLINE SPECIALIST REFERRAL CONSULTATION
Can I Get a Specialist Referral Online?
In many circumstances, you can discuss a specialist referral through an online GP consultation.
During your consultation, your doctor may ask about:
- Your current symptoms
- How long you have had the symptoms
- Your medical history
- Previous diagnoses
- Current medications
- Previous investigations or test results
- Previous specialist consultations
- The reason you believe specialist assessment may be required
Your GP will then determine whether a specialist referral is clinically appropriate and whether telehealth is suitable for your circumstances.
A referral is not guaranteed. Your doctor must make an independent clinical assessment before deciding whether a referral is appropriate.
How to Get a Specialist Referral Online
Getting started is simple.
1. Book an Online GP Consultation
Choose an available appointment and provide the requested information.
2. Speak With an Australian-Registered GP
Your consultation can be conducted by phone or video, depending on the appointment available.
3. Discuss Your Health Concerns
Tell your doctor about your symptoms, medical history and why you believe you may need specialist care.
4. Your GP Assesses Your Needs
Your doctor will determine whether specialist assessment is appropriate and whether telehealth is suitable.
5. Receive Your Referral if Clinically Appropriate
If a referral is appropriate, your GP may prepare a referral letter containing relevant clinical information.
Where appropriate, the referral may be provided electronically or sent to the specialist's practice with your consent.
Do I Need a GP Referral to See a Specialist?
Referral requirements depend on the type of specialist and the circumstances of your care.
A GP referral is commonly required when you want to claim a Medicare benefit for a consultation with a medical specialist.
A referral can also provide the specialist with useful information about your health concern and the reason for referral.
Your GP can discuss your circumstances and explain whether a referral may be appropriate.
If you already have a preferred specialist, you can let your GP know during your consultation.
What Information Is Included in a Specialist Referral?
A referral letter may include relevant information such as:
- Your main symptoms or health concern
- Relevant medical history
- Current medications
- Previous diagnoses
- Relevant investigation results
- The reason for specialist assessment
- The clinical question for the specialist
The information included will depend on your individual circumstances and the reason for referral.
The specialist will then conduct their own assessment and determine the appropriate treatment or ongoing management.
What Specialists Can I Be Referred To?
Depending on your medical needs, an online GP may determine that referral to a medical specialist is appropriate.
Examples include:
- Dermatologist
- Cardiologist
- Endocrinologist
- Gastroenterologist
- Neurologist
- Orthopaedic specialist
- ENT specialist
- Gynaecologist
- Urologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Psychiatrist
- Respiratory physician
- Rheumatologist
- Other appropriate medical specialists
The type of specialist you may need depends on your symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment.
If you are unsure which specialist you need to see, your GP can discuss your concerns and advise on the appropriate next step.
What If I Need Blood Tests or Imaging?
Your GP may determine that additional investigations are appropriate before or alongside a specialist referral.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- Blood tests
- Pathology testing
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
- Other appropriate investigations
Your doctor will determine whether testing or imaging is clinically appropriate.
Learn more about our Blood Test Referral and Imaging Referral services.
What Happens After I Receive My Referral?
Once your GP has prepared your referral, you may receive it electronically.
Depending on the circumstances, you can:
- Provide the referral to your chosen specialist
- Request that it be sent to the specialist's practice
- Contact the specialist's rooms to arrange an appointment
- Follow the specialist's instructions regarding the referral
Specialist availability and waiting times vary between practices and locations.
It is a good idea to contact the specialist's practice before booking to confirm their referral requirements.
How Long Is a Specialist Referral Valid?
The duration of a specialist referral can depend on your circumstances and the type of referral.
Your GP will determine the appropriate referral based on your clinical needs.
If you are already seeing a specialist and require an updated referral, discuss this with your doctor during your consultation.
Can I Get a Specialist Referral Without Seeing a GP In Person?
An online GP consultation may be suitable for some referral requests.
However, telehealth is not appropriate for every medical concern.
If your doctor needs to perform a physical examination, obtain additional information or arrange urgent investigation, you may be advised to attend an in-person medical service.
Your doctor's priority is to determine the safest and most appropriate care for your circumstances.
Preparing for Your Online Specialist Referral Consultation
Before your consultation, it may help to have the following information available:
- Your main symptoms
- When your symptoms started
- Previous diagnoses
- Current medications
- Medication allergies
- Previous specialist letters
- Recent blood test results
- Recent imaging reports
- Relevant hospital or medical records
- The name of a preferred specialist, if you have one
You do not need to know which specialist you need before your appointment.
Your GP can discuss your symptoms and determine whether specialist assessment may be appropriate.
Specialist Referral Online – Pricing
The specialist referral service is currently listed at $25.
This is the NewTeleDoc Medical service fee and does not include fees charged by the specialist or other healthcare provider.
Specialist consultation fees, Medicare eligibility and out-of-pocket costs can vary between providers.
Please check the specialist's fees before making an appointment.
Why Choose NewTeleDoc Medical?
Australian-Registered Doctors
Speak with an Australian-registered GP through a telehealth consultation.
Convenient Online Access
Discuss your referral needs without necessarily travelling to a medical clinic.
Phone or Video Consultation
Depending on appointment availability, your consultation may be conducted by phone or video.
Electronic Referral
Where clinically appropriate, referral documentation may be provided electronically.
Australia-Wide Telehealth
NewTeleDoc Medical provides telehealth consultations to patients across Australia, subject to clinical suitability and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a specialist referral online in Australia?
You may be able to discuss a specialist referral through an online GP consultation. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances before deciding whether referral is clinically appropriate.
Do I need to see my GP in person for a referral?
Not always. Some referral requests may be appropriately assessed through telehealth. However, your doctor may recommend an in-person appointment if a physical examination or further assessment is required.
Can an online GP refer me to any specialist?
Your GP can assess whether specialist care is appropriate and which type of specialist may be suitable. The referral will depend on your individual clinical circumstances.
Can I choose my specialist?
You can discuss your preferred specialist with your GP. You should also check with the specialist's practice regarding referral requirements and availability.
Can I get a referral to a dermatologist online?
You can discuss skin concerns with an online GP. If your doctor determines that specialist assessment is clinically appropriate, they may prepare a referral to a dermatologist.
Can I get a cardiologist referral online?
You can discuss your symptoms and cardiovascular concerns with an online GP. If specialist assessment is appropriate, your doctor may prepare a referral.
Can I get a psychologist referral online?
Depending on your circumstances, your GP may discuss mental health care and whether referral or another form of support is appropriate.
Medicare eligibility and requirements for allied health services can vary.
Can I get a specialist referral without knowing which specialist I need?
Yes. You can explain your symptoms and concerns to your GP. Your doctor can assess your circumstances and determine whether specialist assessment is appropriate and what type of specialist may be suitable.
Can I get a referral for pathology or imaging?
Depending on your medical circumstances, your GP may determine that pathology or diagnostic imaging is appropriate.
Visit our Blood Test Referral or Imaging Referral pages for more information.
Will I automatically receive a specialist referral after booking?
No. Booking a consultation does not guarantee that a referral will be issued.
Your doctor will independently assess your circumstances and determine whether a referral is clinically appropriate.
When Should I See a Doctor In Person?
Telehealth is not appropriate for every medical concern.
You may need an in-person assessment if you have:
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Symptoms requiring a physical examination
- Significant pain
- A medical emergency
- Symptoms requiring urgent testing
- A condition that cannot be safely assessed through telehealth
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Book a Specialist Referral Consultation Online
Need to discuss whether you should see a specialist?
Speak with an Australian-registered GP by phone or video and discuss your symptoms, medical history and healthcare needs.
Your doctor will determine whether specialist assessment is appropriate and whether a referral can be provided.
BOOK AN ONLINE SPECIALIST REFERRAL CONSULTATION
Important Information
A specialist referral is only provided when clinically appropriate following an individual medical assessment.
A consultation does not guarantee that a referral will be issued.
Medicare eligibility, referral requirements, specialist fees and appointment availability can vary depending on your circumstances and the healthcare provider.
Telehealth is not suitable for every medical concern. Your doctor may recommend an in-person assessment, testing or another healthcare service where appropriate.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice.
Book your online GP consultation with NewTeleDoc Medical today for $25.