Get a gastroenterologist referral online. Bulk billed

When you might need a gastroenterologist referral

Per the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), a gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the digestive system. You may need a referral for any of these symptoms: persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea or constipation, heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, or difficulty swallowing.

Other common reasons for a gastroenterologist referral include suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), coeliac disease, liver conditions, gallbladder problems, and screening colonoscopies. Your GP will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine whether a referral is the appropriate next step.

How to get a gastroenterologist referral online

Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP, describe your digestive symptoms, and discuss any relevant medical history. If your GP determines a gastroenterologist referral is clinically appropriate, the referral letter will be emailed to you after the consultation. Your GP may also order preliminary blood tests such as coeliac serology, liver function, or inflammatory markers during the same appointment.

The referral letter includes a summary of your symptoms, relevant test results, and treatments already tried. This helps the gastroenterologist prepare for your appointment and decide whether any procedures such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy are needed.

Colonoscopy referrals

A colonoscopy is a procedure where a gastroenterologist uses a flexible camera to examine the lining of your large intestine. It is used to investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and chronic abdominal pain. It is also used for bowel cancer screening, particularly if you have received a positive result from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, the Australian Department of Health-funded program that offers free at-home immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) kits to Australians aged 45–74.

Your NewDoc GP can provide a referral to a gastroenterologist who will assess whether a colonoscopy is appropriate for you. With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for the specialist consultation and the procedure. Some gastroenterologists perform colonoscopies in public hospitals at no out-of-pocket cost, while private procedures may involve a gap fee depending on your health insurance.

When you might need a gastroenterologist

Digestive symptoms that persist or worsen despite initial treatment may warrant specialist review. Common reasons for referral include persistent acid reflux that does not respond to dietary changes or over-the-counter medication. Other reasons include ongoing abdominal bloating and discomfort, or unexplained changes in bowel habits. If you have received a positive result from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, a colonoscopy referral is typically recommended.

Other conditions that may require gastroenterology input include suspected coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), liver conditions including fatty liver disease and hepatitis, and recurrent gastroenteritis or infectious diarrhoea that does not resolve. Your GP will assess your symptoms and determine whether a gastroenterologist referral is the most appropriate pathway.

What to expect at your gastroenterologist appointment

At your first gastroenterologist appointment, the specialist will review your referral letter, discuss your symptoms and dietary history in detail, and perform an abdominal examination. They may review any blood test results your GP has already arranged, such as coeliac serology, liver function tests, or inflammatory markers.

Based on this assessment, the gastroenterologist may recommend further investigations such as a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, breath test, stool tests, or abdominal imaging. They will discuss the findings and a management plan with you, which may include dietary modifications, medication, or ongoing monitoring. A summary is typically sent back to your referring GP.

Medicare and costs for gastroenterology care

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for gastroenterologist consultations and procedures. Some gastroenterologists bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost. Others charge a gap fee above the Medicare rebate. Procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies also attract Medicare rebates when performed with a valid referral.

The NewDoc GP consultation to obtain your referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. If you need preliminary blood tests, your GP can order these during the same consultation, and the pathology is also covered by Medicare when ordered on clinical grounds.