When you need a fertility specialist referral
A fertility specialist (usually a gynaecologist with reproductive-medicine sub-specialty training, or a reproductive endocrinologist) assesses and treats difficulty conceiving. Australian fertility guidelines suggest specialist referral after 12 months of unprotected intercourse without conception in couples where the female partner is under 35, or after 6 months if she's 35 or older. Earlier referral is appropriate where there's a known contributing factor.
With NewDoc you can get a fertility referral online through a bulk billed GP telehealth consultation. Your GP will take a fertility history for both partners, order the first-line investigations (which are often the same tests the specialist will want), and write the referral letter.
Earlier referral situations
Some situations warrant earlier fertility referral than the standard 12-month threshold: irregular or absent menstrual cycles, PCOS with infertility concerns, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage (typically defined as two or more consecutive losses), known tubal or uterine factors (previous pelvic infection, surgery, fibroids), prior pelvic or testicular surgery, known semen analysis abnormality, prior chemotherapy or radiation, and fertility preservation before treatment likely to affect fertility (cancer therapy, gender-affirming surgery).
Tests your GP can order first
Having baseline investigations done before the fertility appointment saves time and often avoids a second visit just to review results. Your GP can order:
Female partner — cycle day 2–5 FSH, LH, oestradiol; AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone, an ovarian reserve marker); thyroid function (TSH); prolactin; vitamin D; rubella and varicella immunity; chlamydia screen; pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal where appropriate) to assess antral follicle count, uterine cavity, and any fibroids or cysts.
Male partner — semen analysis is the single most important first test. Around 30–40% of fertility difficulty is partly or wholly attributable to a male factor. Both partners should also have a sexual-health screen including chlamydia.
What to expect at the fertility specialist appointment
The first fertility consultation is typically 45–60 minutes and ideally involves both partners. The specialist reviews the history, the test results from the GP, examines where relevant, and discusses options. Treatment paths range from timed intercourse with cycle-tracking, ovulation induction with letrozole or clomiphene, intra-uterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI, donor sperm or egg pathways, and fertility preservation. The specialist will explain success rates honestly — they decline significantly with maternal age — and the cost structure of each option.
Medicare and costs
The GP telehealth consultation to obtain your fertility referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, with no out-of-pocket cost. Pathology and imaging referrals issued during the consultation are included at no extra charge.
Fertility treatment itself involves significant out-of-pocket costs. Medicare provides partial rebates for specialist consultations, some monitoring, IVF/ICSI cycles, and embryo transfers, with additional support via the Medicare Safety Net once you've passed the annual threshold. The exact out-of-pocket cost varies widely between clinics — ask for a written estimate before starting treatment. Private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may also reduce day-procedure costs. A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months.
Last reviewed 14 May 2026. Editorial policy