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Get an ENT specialist referral online. Bulk billed

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

When you might need an ENT referral

An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. You may need an ENT referral if you are experiencing chronic or recurring ear infections, persistent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion that does not respond to treatment, or recurrent tonsillitis.

Other reasons for an ENT referral include sleep apnoea or chronic snoring, nasal polyps or a deviated septum, voice changes or hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, difficulty swallowing, vertigo or balance problems, and lumps or swelling in the neck. Your GP will assess your symptoms and determine whether an ENT referral is the most appropriate next step.

How to get an ENT referral online

Getting an ENT referral online through NewDoc is straightforward. Book a telehealth appointment, speak with an AHPRA-registered GP via video or phone, and describe your symptoms. If the doctor determines an ENT referral is clinically appropriate, the referral letter will be emailed to you after the consultation and can also be sent directly to the specialist.

The referral letter includes a summary of your symptoms, relevant medical history, and any investigations already performed. This information helps the ENT specialist prepare for your appointment. You can then contact the specialist's rooms to book your appointment at a time that suits you.

What to expect at your ENT appointment

At your first ENT appointment, the specialist will review your referral letter and medical history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and perform a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat. Depending on your condition, they may use a small camera (endoscope) to examine your nasal passages or throat more closely.

The specialist may also arrange additional investigations such as hearing tests (audiometry), imaging (CT or MRI), or allergy testing. Based on the findings, they will discuss treatment options with you, which may include medication, therapy, or surgery depending on the condition.

Common ear, nose, and throat conditions

Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common reasons for ENT referrals. If nasal congestion, facial pain, or postnasal drip persists for more than 12 weeks despite treatment, specialist assessment may be warranted. Recurrent ear infections, persistent hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are also frequently managed by ENT specialists.

Throat-related conditions such as recurrent tonsillitis, voice hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, difficulty swallowing, and suspected sleep apnoea or chronic snoring may also require ENT review. If you have a lump or swelling in the neck that has not resolved, your GP may recommend an urgent ENT referral for further investigation.

Preparing for your ENT referral

Before your telehealth consultation, it can be helpful to note down your symptoms, including how long they have been present, whether they affect one or both sides, and any treatments you have already tried. If you have had previous hearing tests, imaging, or allergy testing, having these results available can help your GP write a more comprehensive referral letter.

Your GP may also arrange preliminary investigations during the same telehealth appointment. For example, they may order blood tests to check for infection or inflammation, or imaging such as a CT scan of the sinuses. Having these results ready before your ENT appointment can help the specialist make a more efficient assessment.

Medicare and costs for ENT specialist care

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for ENT specialist consultations. Some ENT specialists bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Others charge a gap fee above the Medicare rebate. It is a good idea to ask about fees when booking your specialist appointment.

The NewDoc GP consultation to obtain your referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. Your GP referral is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, giving you time to book with the specialist that best suits your needs and location.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 16 April 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

What conditions does an ENT specialist treat?

An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Common conditions include chronic sinusitis, hearing loss, ear infections, tonsillitis, sleep apnoea, nasal polyps, deviated septum, voice disorders, vertigo, and head and neck tumours.

Can I get an ENT referral via telehealth?

Yes. Your NewDoc GP can assess your symptoms during a telehealth consultation and provide a referral to an ENT specialist if clinically appropriate. The referral letter is emailed to you and can also be sent directly to the specialist's rooms.

Do I need a GP referral to see an ENT specialist?

Yes. In Australia, you need a GP referral to see an ENT specialist if you want Medicare to cover part of the specialist's consultation fee. Without a valid referral, you will need to pay the full fee out of pocket. A GP referral is valid for 12 months.

How much does an ENT specialist appointment cost?

The cost varies depending on the specialist and whether they bulk bill. With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate that covers part or all of the ENT consultation fee. Some ENT specialists bulk bill initial consultations, while others charge a gap fee. Your specialist's rooms can advise on fees when you book.

Is the GP consultation for the referral bulk billed?

Yes. The NewDoc telehealth consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation or the referral letter.

Can an ENT specialist help with chronic sinusitis?

Yes. If you have sinusitis that persists for more than 12 weeks or keeps recurring despite treatment, an ENT specialist can investigate the underlying cause. They may perform a nasal endoscopy, order a CT scan of your sinuses, or recommend treatments such as nasal irrigation, medication, or in some cases, sinus surgery.

Do I need to see an ENT for snoring or sleep apnoea?

An ENT specialist can assess structural causes of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, such as enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps. Your GP may first arrange a sleep study to assess the severity of the condition, and then refer you to an ENT specialist if structural factors are likely contributing to your symptoms.

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