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Get a sleep physician referral online. Bulk billed

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

When you need a sleep physician referral

A sleep physician (sleep medicine specialist) is a doctor with advanced training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Most are respiratory physicians, neurologists, or general physicians with additional sleep-medicine credentialing. Sleep medicine is heavily investigation-driven, so the diagnostic path commonly runs GP → sleep study → sleep physician.

With NewDoc you can get a sleep medicine referral online through a bulk billed GP telehealth consultation. Your GP can screen for sleep apnoea using validated tools, arrange a home or laboratory sleep study, and write the specialist referral letter — often the study is done first so the specialist has results to discuss at the appointment.

Common reasons for sleep medicine referral

Suspected obstructive sleep apnoea — the most common reason. Clues include loud habitual snoring, a partner noticing breathing pauses overnight, waking unrefreshed, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and falling asleep at inappropriate times. Untreated sleep apnoea is associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and increased motor vehicle accident risk.

Suspected narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, cataplexy where there's brief muscle weakness with strong emotion), restless legs syndrome not responding to first-line treatment, parasomnia (acting out dreams, REM sleep behaviour disorder, sleep walking), circadian rhythm disorders (delayed sleep phase, shift work disorder), central sleep apnoea (often in cardiac failure), and complex or treatment-resistant insomnia.

For uncomplicated insomnia where CBT-I is the right next step, a psychologist with CBT-I training is usually the first referral — not a sleep physician.

Sleep studies — the typical first step

Most sleep medicine referrals begin with a sleep study. Home studies (Level 3 or Level 2 polysomnography) measure airflow, oxygen saturation, chest and abdominal movement, heart rate, and (Level 2) brain activity. Laboratory studies (Level 1) include additional channels — EEG, EMG, EOG — and are done in a sleep centre overnight.

Your GP can order a sleep study based on screening tools — the STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale are commonly used. Medicare-rebated home sleep studies are commonly bulk billed for eligible patients.

What to expect at the sleep physician appointment

The first sleep medicine consultation is typically 30–45 minutes. The specialist reviews the sleep study results, takes a detailed sleep history (sleep schedule, snoring, witnessed apnoea, daytime function, mood, medications, alcohol, weight changes), examines you (airway, neck circumference, BMI, blood pressure), and discusses treatment options. For confirmed obstructive sleep apnoea, the conversation usually centres on CPAP therapy with a positive-pressure mask, mandibular advancement splints (dental devices), lifestyle and positional measures, and follow-up.

Medicare and costs

The GP telehealth consultation to obtain your sleep medicine referral is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, with no out-of-pocket cost. Home sleep studies under the Medicare schedule are commonly bulk billed. Public sleep clinic appointments are bulk billed; private sleep medicine typically carries a gap fee. CPAP equipment is not directly Medicare-rebated but the specialist consultation, sleep study, and follow-ups are. A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 14 May 2026. Editorial policy

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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 sleep physician referral via telehealth?

Yes. A GP can take a sleep history, screen for obstructive sleep apnoea using validated tools (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), arrange a home or laboratory sleep study, and issue a sleep physician referral. The referral letter is sent electronically.

When should I see a sleep physician?

Common reasons for sleep medicine referral include suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches), suspected central sleep apnoea, complex or treatment-resistant insomnia, suspected narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness with cataplexy or sleep attacks), restless legs syndrome not responding to first-line treatment, parasomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness.

Do I need a sleep study before seeing the specialist?

In most cases yes — a sleep study is the diagnostic test for sleep-related breathing disorders, and the sleep physician will base their assessment on the results. A GP can order a home (Level 3 or Level 2) or laboratory (Level 1) polysomnography study. Many sleep clinics prefer to see the patient after the study.

Are home sleep studies bulk billed?

Yes — Medicare-rebated home sleep studies are commonly bulk billed for eligible patients, especially when the referral is from a GP and the indication is suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Laboratory (in-lab) sleep studies are also Medicare-rebated but availability and gap fees vary by provider.

What if I just have insomnia, not sleep apnoea?

Insomnia is generally treated with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), not by a sleep physician. A psychologist with CBT-I training is usually the right first referral. A sleep physician comes in if insomnia is complex, treatment-resistant, or if there's suspected co-existing sleep apnoea. Our dedicated insomnia condition page covers the full pathway, including when a sleep study is warranted.

What treatments might the sleep physician recommend?

For obstructive sleep apnoea: CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure), mandibular advancement splints (dental devices), positional therapy, weight loss support, and in selected cases ENT surgery referral. For narcolepsy: stimulant medication (modafinil, methylphenidate). For restless legs: dopamine agonists, gabapentinoids, or iron supplementation. For complex insomnia: medication review, CBT-I referral.

Is the GP consultation bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare patients. The GP telehealth consultation is bulk billed at no out-of-pocket cost. Sleep study referrals and any additional pathology issued during the same consultation are included at no extra charge.

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