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To claim a Medicare rebate when you see a specialist, you need a valid referral, usually from a GP. A GP referral to a specialist generally lasts 12 months from your first specialist visit. Allied health is different: you can usually see a physiotherapist, dietitian or other allied health professional privately without a referral, but Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions need a GP plan. A telehealth GP can write many specialist referrals by phone or video.
This article explains how specialist and allied health referrals work in Australia, and where telehealth fits in.
Specialist referrals
Specialists include cardiologists, dermatologists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons and many others. Your GP refers you when you need expert assessment or treatment beyond general practice.
Why you need one
Medicare only pays a rebate for most specialist consultations if you have a valid referral. Without one, you can usually still see the specialist, but you’ll pay the full fee. See healthdirect’s guide to referrals for more.
How long referrals last
| Type of referral | Usual validity |
|---|---|
| GP to specialist | 12 months from your first visit with the specialist, unless the GP states otherwise |
| Specialist to another specialist | 3 months |
| Indefinite referral (for some chronic conditions) | No end date, if the GP decides it’s appropriate |
What a good referral includes
A referral should include your details, the referring doctor’s details and provider number, the reason for the referral, and relevant history, medicines, allergies and test results. It doesn’t always have to be addressed to a named specialist. An open referral, for example “Dear Dermatologist”, can give you more flexibility to choose who you see and to shop around for waiting times and fees.
Allied health referrals
Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, podiatrists, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and speech pathologists.
Seeing allied health privately
You generally don’t need a referral to book an allied health appointment privately. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim part of the cost. Check with your insurer.
Medicare-subsidised allied health
Medicare rebates for allied health are only available through specific programs, such as:
- GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs). From 1 July 2025, these replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements. People with an eligible chronic condition can receive up to five Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions a year, referred by the GP who manages their plan. If you’re registered with MyMedicare, plans are provided through your registered practice.
- Mental Health Treatment Plans for Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative. Since 1 November 2025, these plans generally need to be prepared by your MyMedicare practice or usual GP.
These plans work best with a GP who knows you well and can coordinate your ongoing care. Teldoc doesn’t provide chronic condition management plans, and provides Mental Health Treatment Plans only for patients experiencing homelessness. For most people, these plans should come from your regular GP. Our article on the November 2025 changes to Mental Health Treatment Plans explains more.
Pathology and imaging requests
Blood tests, urine tests, X-rays and ultrasounds also need a request form from a doctor to be covered by Medicare. A telehealth GP can provide these if clinically appropriate. See our pathology and radiology referrals page.
Getting a referral through telehealth
Telehealth can be useful when you need a new referral, your old one has expired, or your regular GP isn’t available. It can suit people in regional and remote areas, people with mobility issues and anyone who can’t easily take time off for an appointment.
To make the consultation useful:
- explain your symptoms or condition and why you think you need a specialist
- have any previous referrals, specialist letters or test results ready
- tell the doctor if you have a particular specialist in mind, or ask for an open referral
A GP will only refer you if they think it’s clinically appropriate. Some referrals need a physical examination first, and the GP will tell you if you need to be seen in person. If you’ve turned up at a specialist and discovered your referral is missing, read At the specialist without a referral? What to do.
How Teldoc can help
Teldoc’s AHPRA-registered GPs consult by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes. If clinically appropriate, your GP can provide an online specialist referral letter, sent to you electronically. Learn more about specialist referrals through Teldoc.
General consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details.
Telehealth isn’t for emergencies. If you’re seriously unwell, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a specialist in Australia?
You need a valid referral to claim a Medicare rebate for most specialist consultations. Without one, you can usually still see the specialist but you’ll pay the full fee.
How long does a GP referral to a specialist last?
A GP referral to a specialist is generally valid for 12 months from your first visit with the specialist, unless the GP specifies a different period. Indefinite referrals can be given for some chronic conditions.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
Not if you’re seeing them privately. Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions require a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for an eligible chronic condition, usually from your regular GP.
Can Teldoc refer me for Medicare-subsidised allied health?
No. Teldoc doesn’t provide chronic condition management plans, which are needed for Medicare-subsidised allied health. Your regular GP is the best person to arrange these.
Does a referral have to name a specific specialist?
No. A referral can be addressed to a type of specialist rather than a named doctor, which gives you more choice about who you see.
This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026
