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Get a neurologist referral online. Bulk billed

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

When you need a neurologist referral

A neurologist is a specialist in conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Most common neurological complaints (occasional headache, simple migraine, transient numbness) are managed by a GP, and a specialist referral is reserved for complex, persistent, or atypical presentations.

With NewDoc you can get a neurology referral online through a bulk billed GP telehealth consultation. Your GP will take a thorough history, do as much neurological assessment as possible by video, order baseline imaging or pathology where indicated, and write the referral letter.

Common reasons for neurology referral

Chronic or treatment-resistant migraine — typically referred when migraines occur more than 15 days per month, when standard preventives have failed, or when CGRP agents are being considered. Severe or new-onset headache warranting further investigation.

Suspected multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating disease (often after an MRI showing white-matter lesions), suspected Parkinson's disease (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity), epilepsy and other seizure disorders, peripheral neuropathy (diabetic, B12-related, idiopathic), post-stroke follow-up, cognitive decline or suspected dementia, motor neuron disease assessment, significant tremor, and persistent unexplained vertigo or balance problems.

Some symptoms — sudden weakness, sudden slurred speech, sudden vision loss, severe headache with fever or neck stiffness, or a first seizure — are emergencies and should go to a hospital ED, not an outpatient referral.

Preparing for your neurology appointment

A symptom diary is the single most useful thing you can bring. For migraine, log frequency, duration, triggers, and response to treatment. For seizures or paroxysmal symptoms, video footage from a phone (where safe to take) is often diagnostic. For cognitive concerns, bringing a close family member or partner who can describe changes helps enormously.

Useful baseline tests your GP can order include full blood count, U&E, calcium, glucose/HbA1c, thyroid function, B12, folate, vitamin D, and (depending on the question) autoimmune screens. Imaging (brain MRI or CT) is often ordered before the appointment for suspected MS, suspected tumour, or atypical headache.

What to expect at the neurology appointment

The first neurology consultation is typically 30–60 minutes. The specialist takes a detailed history, performs a neurological examination (cranial nerves, motor, sensory, coordination, gait, cognitive screen), reviews your imaging and pathology, and discusses a diagnosis or differential diagnosis. Further investigations — EEG for suspected seizures, EMG and nerve conduction studies for peripheral nerve disease, more detailed imaging, or cognitive testing — may be requested. The neurologist will write back to your GP with the plan.

Medicare and costs

The GP telehealth consultation to obtain your neurologist referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, with no out-of-pocket cost. Imaging and pathology ordered during the same consultation are included at no extra charge from the GP side (the radiology and pathology providers bill separately to Medicare). Private neurology consultations commonly carry a gap fee; public neurology clinic appointments are bulk billed but waitlist times are longer. A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 14 May 2026. Editorial policy

Ready to see a GP?

Book a bulk-billed telehealth consult in under 2 minutes — $0 with Medicare if eligible.

Or call 0481 615 998

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a neurologist referral via telehealth?

Yes, in many cases. A GP can take a history, review your neurological symptoms, do as much examination as possible by video (some elements require in-person attendance), order baseline pathology and imaging where appropriate, and issue a neurology referral. The referral letter is sent electronically.

When should I see a neurologist?

Common reasons for neurology referral include chronic or treatment-resistant migraine, suspected multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating disease, suspected Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, peripheral neuropathy, post-stroke follow-up, cognitive concerns or suspected dementia, persistent unexplained numbness, weakness, or dizziness, and significant tremor.

Do I need a GP referral to see a neurologist?

You can see a neurologist without a referral, but you won't get a Medicare rebate. With a valid GP referral, Medicare covers a portion of the consultation. A standard referral is valid for 12 months.

What investigations might the neurologist order?

Common neurology investigations include brain MRI or CT, EEG (electroencephalogram, for suspected seizures), EMG and nerve conduction studies (for peripheral nerve and muscle disease), cognitive testing, sleep studies (for sleep-related neurological disorders), and specific blood tests (B12, thyroid, autoimmune panels). Most are Medicare-rebated with a valid referral.

When is a neurologist not the right specialist?

Pure mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, eating disorders) are managed by psychiatrists or psychologists, not neurologists. Severe acute neurological symptoms (sudden weakness, slurred speech, severe headache with neck stiffness or fever) need emergency department assessment, not an outpatient referral. Tension and primary headache management is usually started by the GP — a referral comes if there's diagnostic uncertainty or treatment failure.

How long does a neurology waitlist take?

Public neurology clinic waits commonly run 3–12 months for non-urgent referrals; private neurology is usually 4–10 weeks. Urgent referrals (suspected MS relapse, new seizures, cognitive decline with rapid progression) are typically expedited. Your GP can also flag urgency in the referral letter.

Is the GP consultation bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare patients. The GP telehealth consultation is bulk billed at no out-of-pocket cost. Any additional referrals for imaging (MRI, CT), pathology, or EEG issued during the same consultation are included at no extra charge.

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