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Get a dermatologist referral online. Bulk billed

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

When you need a dermatologist referral

A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. You may need a dermatologist referral if you have a skin condition that has not responded to treatment from your GP, a suspicious mole or lesion that needs specialist assessment, chronic skin conditions such as severe acne, psoriasis, or eczema, or if you need a full skin cancer check by a specialist.

With NewDoc, you can get a dermatologist referral online through a bulk billed telehealth consultation. Your GP will assess your concern, discuss your symptoms, and provide a referral letter that you can take to the dermatologist of your choice.

Common conditions requiring a dermatologist

Acne is one of the most common reasons for dermatologist referrals, particularly when it is severe, scarring, or has not improved with over-the-counter treatments or GP-prescribed medications. A dermatologist can prescribe specialised treatments including isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and other therapies not available through a GP.

Eczema and psoriasis that are difficult to manage may also benefit from specialist input. Dermatologists can offer advanced treatments including biologics, phototherapy, and specialised topical regimens. For suspicious moles or skin lesions, a dermatologist can perform dermoscopy, biopsies, and arrange surgical removal if needed.

Other common referral reasons include rosacea, hair loss (alopecia), chronic hives (urticaria), fungal infections that have not responded to standard treatment, and skin conditions requiring patch testing for allergies.

How to get your referral through telehealth

Book a consultation on the NewDoc website and select a convenient time. During your video or phone consultation, describe your skin concern to the GP. You can share photos of the affected area during the call, which helps the doctor assess whether a dermatologist referral is appropriate.

If the GP determines a referral is warranted, the referral letter will be emailed to you after the consultation. The letter includes your medical history, current symptoms, any treatments already tried, and the reason for the referral. You can then contact the dermatologist of your choice to book an appointment.

When you might need a dermatologist

There are many skin conditions where a dermatologist referral may be appropriate. If you have acne that has not responded to standard treatments, a dermatologist can offer specialised therapies. Persistent or worsening eczema may also benefit from specialist review, particularly if it is affecting your sleep or daily activities.

Mole checks and skin cancer screening are another common reason for dermatologist referrals, especially if you have a history of sun exposure, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma. Hair loss, chronic hives, nail disorders, and rashes that persist despite treatment are also conditions where a dermatologist may be able to help. Your GP can assess whether specialist input is the appropriate next step for your situation.

What to expect at your dermatologist appointment

At your first dermatologist appointment, the specialist will review your referral letter, ask about your symptoms and treatment history, and perform a detailed examination of the affected skin. They may use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying device, to examine moles or lesions more closely.

Depending on the findings, the dermatologist may take a skin biopsy, order blood tests, perform patch testing for allergies, or commence treatment on the day. They will discuss a management plan with you and may arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. A report is typically sent back to your referring GP.

Medicare and costs

The GP telehealth consultation to obtain your referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost. The referral letter is included at no extra charge.

With a valid GP referral, Medicare will cover a portion of the dermatologist's fee. The exact out-of-pocket cost depends on whether the dermatologist bulk bills or charges a gap. Without a referral, you would need to pay the full cost of the specialist consultation. 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 dermatologist referral via telehealth?

Yes. A GP can issue a dermatologist referral via telehealth. During your video or phone consultation, the GP will assess your skin concern, discuss your symptoms and history, and provide a referral letter if a dermatologist review is clinically appropriate. You can share photos of the affected area during the consultation to assist the assessment.

Do I need a GP referral to see a dermatologist in Australia?

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

What skin conditions can I be referred for?

Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for any skin concern, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, suspicious moles and skin cancer checks, rosacea, hair loss, fungal infections, chronic skin rashes, and cosmetic skin concerns that may have an underlying medical cause.

How long is the wait to see a dermatologist?

Wait times for dermatologists vary depending on your location and the urgency of your condition. In metropolitan areas, wait times are typically 4 to 12 weeks for non-urgent appointments. Your GP can mark the referral as urgent if needed, which may reduce the wait time. Getting your referral quickly through telehealth means you can join the waiting list sooner.

Is the GP consultation for a dermatologist 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 is included at no extra charge. The dermatologist's own fees will depend on whether they bulk bill or charge a gap.

Should I send photos of my skin concern during the telehealth consultation?

Yes, sharing clear photos of the affected area can be very helpful during a telehealth consultation. Good lighting and close-up images allow the GP to better assess your skin concern and write a more detailed referral letter. You can share photos during the video call or upload them as directed by your GP.

Can a dermatologist help with hair loss?

Yes. Dermatologists can assess and manage various types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecia. They may perform blood tests, a scalp biopsy, or dermoscopy to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

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