Get an orthopaedic referral online. Bulk billed

When you might need an orthopaedic referral

An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. You may need an orthopaedic referral if you are experiencing persistent joint pain in the knee, hip, shoulder, or other joints, a sports injury such as a torn ligament or meniscus, chronic back or neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatment, or a suspected fracture or bone condition.

Other common reasons for an orthopaedic referral include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis requiring surgical assessment, and conditions requiring joint replacement. Your GP will assess your symptoms and determine whether an orthopaedic referral is appropriate, or whether physiotherapy or other conservative treatment should be tried first.

How to get an orthopaedic referral online

Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP, describe your musculoskeletal symptoms, and discuss your treatment history. If your GP determines an orthopaedic referral is clinically appropriate, the referral letter will be emailed to you after the consultation. Your GP may also order imaging such as X-rays or an MRI during the same consultation, so the orthopaedic surgeon has results to review at your appointment.

The referral letter includes a summary of your symptoms, relevant medical history, any imaging results, and treatments already tried. This helps the orthopaedic surgeon prepare for your appointment and may help expedite your care.

What to expect at your orthopaedic appointment

At your first orthopaedic appointment, the specialist will review your referral letter and any imaging results, discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and perform a physical examination of the affected area. They may request additional imaging or tests if needed.

Based on the assessment, the orthopaedic surgeon will discuss treatment options with you. Many conditions can be managed conservatively with physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or cortisone injections. If surgery is recommended, the specialist will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery timeline.

Common conditions seen by orthopaedic surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Joint arthritis, particularly of the knee and hip, is one of the most common reasons for referral, especially when pain and stiffness are significantly affecting daily activities. Sports injuries such as torn ligaments (ACL, meniscus), rotator cuff tears, and ankle sprains that do not resolve with physiotherapy may also require orthopaedic assessment.

Chronic back pain that has not improved with conservative treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome causing numbness or weakness in the hand, and fractures or bone conditions that require specialist management are also common reasons for referral. Your GP can help determine whether an orthopaedic referral is the most appropriate next step, or whether other treatments such as physiotherapy should be explored first.

Preparing for your orthopaedic appointment

To get the most out of your orthopaedic appointment, it helps to have any relevant imaging results (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound) available for the specialist to review. If you have not yet had imaging, your NewDoc GP can arrange this during the same telehealth consultation as your referral, so results are ready before your specialist visit.

It is also helpful to note down how your symptoms affect your daily life, any treatments you have already tried (including physiotherapy), and any questions you would like to ask the specialist. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the affected area can make the physical examination more straightforward.

Medicare and costs for orthopaedic care

With a valid GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate for orthopaedic specialist consultations. Some orthopaedic surgeons in the public system bulk bill, while private specialists may charge a gap fee above the Medicare rebate. If surgery is required, it may be performed in the public hospital system (no out-of-pocket cost but potentially longer wait times) or privately with health insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

The NewDoc GP consultation to obtain your referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. Your GP can also discuss whether a public or private orthopaedic pathway is most appropriate for your situation.