Your GP may refer you to a specialist only for a specific purpose or investigation. You will usually require an appointment with your GP to:
- Discuss whether a referral is needed (as we are often able to resolve the query for you)
- Determine the most relevant specialist for your condition
- Legally oblige a specialist to correspond back to your GP, thus providing continuity of care
A ‘new’ referral requires an appointment booked with your doctor, BEFORE seeing a specialist. Medicare specifically forbids backdated referrals.
(Note, that any person may see a specialist WITHOUT a referral, paying the full cost of the consultation (as Medicare will not provide a rebate of costs), and that specialist is not obliged to correspond with your GP after the review) In circumstances where you require a ‘repeat’ referral to your specialist, AND this has already been discussed with your GP in the last 3 months, you may request a repeat referral. The cost of this service is $20 if collected from the surgery or $25 if faxed or posted.