Specialist Referrals, Online
Speak with an AHPRA‑registered Australian doctor by phone or video. Where clinically appropriate, they can provide a referral to a specialist, or a request for imaging or pathology.
Real‑time consultation required • Doctor's clinical decision • AHPRA‑registered
A consultation does not guarantee a referral. Your doctor will only issue a specialist, pathology or imaging referral where it is clinically appropriate after a real‑time assessment.
What We Can Help With
Specialist referral
A written referral to a medical specialist when further assessment or treatment may be needed — issued only where clinically appropriate.
Pathology / blood test referral
A request for pathology or blood tests when your doctor decides investigations are suitable after reviewing your situation.
Imaging / radiology referral
A request for imaging such as X‑ray, ultrasound or other radiology, where telehealth assessment supports that pathway.
When an Online Referral Consult Helps
- You need a GP referral before seeing a specialist so you can claim Medicare rebates where eligible
- Your usual clinic can’t see you soon and a telehealth assessment may be suitable
- You’re following up on an ongoing concern and need the right next step documented
- Your doctor recommends pathology or imaging after discussing your symptoms
- You’re interstate or regional and need a referral without travelling to a clinic
- You already know which specialist or clinic you’d like to attend and need a valid referral letter
How It Works
Step 1
Book a Consultation
Choose a time and note that you’d like to discuss a specialist, pathology or imaging referral.
Step 2
Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video with an AHPRA‑registered Australian doctor. They’ll take a history and assess whether a referral is clinically appropriate.
Step 3
Receive Your Referral
Where appropriate, your doctor issues a written referral securely — often by email — for you to take to a specialist or diagnostic provider.
A consultation does not guarantee a referral — it depends on the doctor's clinical assessment.
Why Book a Referral Consult Online
Medicare pathway to specialists
In Australia, a valid GP referral is usually required before you can claim Medicare rebates for specialist care. A telehealth‑issued referral can meet that need where clinically appropriate.
Real‑time clinical assessment
Referrals aren’t issued from a form alone. Your doctor assesses you in a live consult and only refers when it’s the right next step.
Specialist, pathology or imaging
Discuss specialist care, blood tests or radiology in one appointment — your doctor will recommend what’s suitable for your situation.
Australia‑wide access
Speak with a doctor from home, whether you’re in a city, regional town or travelling interstate.
What Happens After Your Referral
Book with your specialist or provider
Use the referral to book with a named specialist, or an open referral where your doctor has written it that way.
Keep your referral letter
Specialist and diagnostic providers usually need the written referral. Keep a copy (and any results) for your records.
Follow up if needed
If results need review, or another pathway is better, book a follow‑up consult so your doctor can advise on next steps.
How to Prepare
A little preparation helps your doctor decide the safest next step.
- A brief summary of your symptoms, how long they’ve been going on, and any previous treatment
- Relevant past history, allergies and current medications
- Any preferred specialist, clinic or pathology/imaging provider (if you have one)
- Recent results or reports you can share during the consult
- Your Medicare card details if you’re eligible for rebates
When Telehealth May Not Suit
- Emergencies or rapidly worsening symptoms — call 000 or attend urgent care
- Situations that need a hands‑on examination before a safe referral can be made
- Requests for a guaranteed referral without a real‑time clinical assessment
- Anything your doctor judges unsuitable for telehealth — they’ll explain a safer pathway
Related Services
Telehealth consultation
Book a general online appointment with an Australian doctor.
Mental health care plan
Discuss a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and psychology pathway.
Medical certificate
Request a certificate consult for work, school or carer’s leave.
Fees & billing
See consultation fees and Medicare rebate information.
Referral FAQs
Can I get a specialist referral online in Australia?+
Yes. After a real‑time telehealth consultation, an AHPRA‑registered doctor can issue a specialist referral where it is clinically appropriate. A consultation does not guarantee a referral.
Are telehealth referrals accepted by specialists and Medicare?+
A written referral from an AHPRA‑registered doctor after an appropriate consultation is generally recognised the same way as an in‑person referral. Specialists and Medicare rebates still depend on eligibility and the specialist’s billing.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?+
For most Medicare‑rebated specialist appointments in Australia, yes — a valid GP (or other eligible practitioner) referral is required. Private pathways can differ; your doctor can explain what’s relevant for you.
What about pathology or imaging referrals?+
Where clinically appropriate, your doctor can provide a request for pathology or imaging after assessing you. Not every concern needs a test, and not every test is suitable via telehealth alone.
How long is a specialist referral valid?+
Under usual Medicare arrangements, a standard GP specialist referral is often valid for 12 months from the date of the first specialist service (with different rules for some referral types). Your doctor or specialist can confirm what applies to your referral.
Will I definitely get a referral?+
No. Referrals are a clinical decision. If another pathway is safer — such as seeing your usual GP in person, urgent care, or emergency services — your doctor will explain that.
Can I choose my specialist?+
You can discuss preferences during the consult. Your doctor may address the referral to a named specialist or write it in a way that lets you book with an appropriate specialist of your choice, depending on clinical suitability.
How much does it cost?+
A consultation is required. See Fees & Billing for current pricing. Any Medicare rebate depends on eligibility and the item billed. There is no separate "guaranteed referral" product — the fee is for the doctor's time.
Not for Emergencies
If you are experiencing a life‑threatening emergency, call 000 immediately. For free health advice any time, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. MyDocX is not an emergency service.
Book an AppointmentNeed to discuss a referral?
Book a real‑time consult with an AHPRA‑registered Australian doctor. Specialist, pathology and imaging referrals are issued only where clinically appropriate.
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