Can I get a specialist referral via telehealth?

Yes, an Australian GP can write a specialist referral during a telehealth consultation. The referral is emailed to you and, if you choose, directly to the specialist's practice. Medicare rebates on specialist fees require a current referral from your GP, and a telehealth-issued referral meets the same standard as one written in a clinic room. For eligible Medicare patients, the telehealth consultation that produces the referral is bulk billed.

What counts as a "specialist" for referral?

In Australia, the Medicare definition of specialist referral includes medical specialists (cardiologist, dermatologist, psychiatrist, gastroenterologist, ENT specialist, orthopaedic surgeon, and others) and allied health practitioners where referral is required for a Medicare rebate (psychologist, physiotherapist, podiatrist, dietitian, and others under care plans).

Common specialist and allied-health referrals a NewDoc GP can issue during a telehealth consult include:

• Cardiologist (for chest pain, palpitations, blood pressure follow-up)
• Dermatologist (for persistent skin conditions, suspicious lesions, acne)
• Psychologist (via a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-rebated sessions)
• Psychiatrist (for complex mental health presentations, medication optimisation)
• Physiotherapist (for back pain, joint injuries, post-operative rehab)
• Gastroenterologist (for reflux, IBS, abdominal symptoms)
• ENT specialist (for persistent ear, nose, or throat concerns)
• Orthopaedic surgeon (for joint or bone conditions)

See the full list on our specialist referral online page.

How does the telehealth referral process work?

1. Book a telehealth consultation at NewDoc bulk billed telehealth and note the specialist type you want to be referred to.
2. Complete the pre-consult questionnaire with your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant test results.
3. The GP assesses your situation during the video or phone call to confirm a specialist referral is the right step, or suggests alternative management if not.
4. The referral is issued with the clinical reason, relevant history, and current medications. It is emailed to you as a PDF, and can also be sent directly to the specialist's practice if you have one in mind.
5. You book the specialist appointment yourself using the referral. Many specialists have long wait times; the referral is usually valid for 12 months from your first specialist visit. Allied health referrals under a Chronic Disease Management plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan are generally valid for 12 months as well, though they are also tied to the session allocation.

Are telehealth-issued referrals valid for a Medicare rebate?

Yes, provided the usual Medicare rules apply:

• The GP is registered with AHPRA and Medicare
• The referral is current (standard specialist referral validity is 12 months; some items are shorter)
• The referral contains the clinical reason for referral, relevant history, and the specialist's name and address (or "to any specialist in X field" if you have not chosen one)
• The patient is Medicare-eligible

Medicare pays the rebate on the specialist's fee; the specialist may charge a private gap above that rebate. The Medicare Benefits Schedule publishes current rebate amounts. At NewDoc, the telehealth consult that issues the referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.

What about specialists whose initial assessment is also telehealth?

Many specialists now offer telehealth appointments themselves. If you prefer a telehealth specialist visit (common for psychiatry, dermatology review, some cardiology follow-ups, and most psychology), ask about this when booking the specialist appointment. Your GP referral does not usually specify the consultation mode; the specialist decides what is appropriate.

Do I need a new referral for every specialist visit?

Not usually. A standard specialist referral is valid for 12 months from the date of the first appointment. Allied health referrals under Chronic Disease Management plans or Mental Health Treatment Plans are generally valid for 12 months as well, tied to the session allocation. If you need a repeat or extended referral because the 12-month window has passed, a telehealth GP can issue one promptly, subject to clinical review of your situation.

For Mental Health Treatment Plan reviews (which cover up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year), your GP will typically review after the first batch of sessions before authorising the next.

When is an in-person GP referral better than telehealth?

Telehealth works well for most specialist referrals. An in-person GP appointment is usually preferable when:

• The GP needs to physically examine you before deciding on the right specialist
• The condition is complex and a longer, hands-on assessment would help
• You need a physical procedure at the same visit (such as a swab, ECG, or wound check) before the referral

Your telehealth GP will tell you if the assessment needs an in-person visit and can arrange that path.

Ready to book?

Book a telehealth consult at NewDoc bulk billed telehealth. For eligible Medicare patients, the consultation and the referral it produces are included at no cost, with same-day and next-available appointments available seven days a week.

Written by

Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Chief Medical Officer, NewDoc

A practising GP with over a decade of clinical experience, specialising in allergies, metabolic health, and chronic disease management.