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Get a cardiologist referral online. Bulk billed

See a GP via telehealth and receive your cardiologist referral letter by email. No out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients.

When you need a cardiologist referral

A cardiologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system. You may need a cardiologist referral if you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, persistent high blood pressure, or if you have a family history of heart disease and want a specialist assessment.

With NewDoc, you can get a cardiologist referral online through a bulk billed GP telehealth consultation. Your GP will assess your cardiovascular risk factors, discuss your symptoms, and provide a referral letter for the cardiologist of your choice.

Telehealth GP assessment for heart health

During your telehealth consultation, the GP will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and what triggers them. The GP will also assess your cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure history, cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking status, family history of heart disease, and your general lifestyle.

Based on this assessment, the GP may issue a cardiologist referral and may also provide referrals for preliminary investigations such as blood tests (lipid profile, blood glucose, kidney function) or an ECG. Having these results available before your cardiology appointment helps the cardiologist make a more informed assessment at your first visit.

Common conditions requiring a cardiologist

Cardiologists treat a wide range of heart and vascular conditions. Common reasons for referral include coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), valvular heart disease, hypertension that is difficult to control, cardiomyopathy, and peripheral vascular disease. They also provide risk assessments for patients with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, it is important not to delay seeking medical advice. While a telehealth GP consultation is appropriate for obtaining a referral, if you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a heart attack, call 000 immediately.

What to expect at your cardiologist appointment

At your first cardiology appointment, the specialist will review your GP referral letter, discuss your symptoms in detail, and take a thorough medical and family history. They will typically perform a physical examination including listening to your heart and checking your blood pressure. Depending on your presentation, the cardiologist may perform an ECG (electrocardiogram) on the day or arrange further investigations.

Further tests may include an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), stress test, Holter monitor, or cardiac CT scan. The cardiologist will use these results to form a diagnosis and discuss a management plan with you, which may involve lifestyle modifications, medication, or in some cases, a procedure. They will also communicate their findings back to your referring GP to ensure coordinated ongoing care.

Preparing for your cardiology referral

To make the most of your telehealth consultation, it can be helpful to note down your symptoms before the appointment, including when they started, how frequently they occur, and whether anything makes them better or worse. If you have recent blood test results, a list of current medications, or records of your blood pressure readings, having these on hand can assist your GP in writing a detailed referral.

If your GP has previously ordered blood tests or imaging, bringing these results to your cardiologist appointment can help the specialist make a more informed assessment at your first visit and may reduce the need for repeat investigations.

Medicare and costs

The GP telehealth consultation to obtain your cardiologist referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, with no out-of-pocket cost. Any additional referrals for blood tests or imaging issued during the same consultation are also included at no extra charge.

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for cardiologist consultations and many cardiac investigations. The exact out-of-pocket cost depends on whether the cardiologist bulk bills or charges a gap. Without a referral, you would need to pay the full cost with no Medicare rebate. A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 16 April 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a cardiologist referral via telehealth?

Yes. A GP can assess your cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms via telehealth and issue a cardiologist referral if clinically appropriate. The GP will discuss your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. If blood tests or an ECG are needed before your cardiology appointment, the GP can also provide those referrals during the same consultation.

When should I see a cardiologist?

You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you experience chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath during normal activities, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, persistent high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, dizziness or fainting episodes, or if your GP has identified concerns in blood tests or an ECG.

Do I need a GP referral to see a cardiologist?

You can see a cardiologist without a referral, but you will not receive a Medicare rebate for the consultation. With a valid GP referral, Medicare covers a portion of the cardiologist's fee, reducing your out-of-pocket cost. A standard referral is valid for 12 months.

What tests might the cardiologist order?

A cardiologist may order tests such as an ECG (electrocardiogram), echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), stress test, Holter monitor (24-hour heart rhythm recording), cardiac CT, or coronary angiogram depending on your symptoms and risk factors. Many of these tests are covered or partially covered by Medicare with a valid referral.

Is the GP consultation for a cardiologist referral bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare patients. The GP telehealth consultation is bulk billed to Medicare at no out-of-pocket cost. The referral letter and any additional referrals for blood tests or imaging issued during the same consultation are included at no extra charge.

Can a cardiologist help with high blood pressure?

Yes. While many cases of high blood pressure can be managed by a GP, a cardiologist may be helpful if your blood pressure remains difficult to control despite treatment, if you are experiencing side effects from medication, or if there is concern about damage to the heart or blood vessels. Your GP can assess whether a cardiology referral is appropriate for your situation.

How long does a cardiologist referral take to get through telehealth?

The telehealth GP consultation typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. If the GP determines a cardiologist referral is clinically appropriate, the referral letter is usually emailed to you within a few hours of the consultation. You can then contact the cardiologist of your choice to book an appointment straight away.

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