Specialist referral

A specialist referral is a clinical request for a medical specialist to assess or manage a particular health concern. It usually explains the reason for referral and relevant history or results. A referral does not automatically book an appointment, guarantee acceptance or establish that every specialist service will receive a Medicare benefit.

What should the referral include?

Useful information may include symptoms, the clinical question, current treatment, allergies and relevant investigations. Tell the referring doctor about previous specialist care so important reports can be included. The doctor decides whether referral is appropriate and how urgent it should be.

Ask whether the referral is intended for a named clinician or a service and whether you need to contact them. Confirm that supporting reports have actually been sent. A document in your inbox is not proof that the specialist's rooms have received it.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: What is a referral? - Healthdirect Australia.

How long is it valid?

Validity depends on the referral type and circumstances. A GP referral commonly covers a defined course of care, while referrals from other specialists have different usual rules. The start date and wording can matter. Confirm current requirements with the receiving practice rather than assuming every referral lasts the same period.

A new condition may need a new referral even when you already see that specialist for something else. Ask about fees and Medicare eligibility before the appointment. A referral is not a guarantee of bulk billing.

What if I get worse while waiting?

Contact a clinician for reassessment. The referral's urgency may need to change, or you may need a different care setting. Call 000 for emergency symptoms rather than waiting for a routine specialist booking.

See Doccio's referral service information. A doctor decides whether a referral is appropriate and may need examination, tests or records first. Keep track of receipt, appointment arrangements and follow-up so a sent referral does not become a gap in care.

Where to go next

Read referrals to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.