Why referrals matter
A referral gives the specialist your history, medicines and results, and allows Medicare rebates for specialist consultations.
It also keeps your GP informed so your care stays coordinated.
Referrals to specialists, sent the right way
When you need a specialist, allied health provider or imaging, your GP writes a referral with your history and results so the next step is smooth, and stays involved in your care afterwards.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01A referral needs a consultation
Your GP reviews why you need to see a specialist.
Tap to see moreIt ensures the referral has the right information.
Book an appointment02Referrals are sent securely
Electronically or by secure post.
Tap to see moreYour results and history go with it.
Correspondence03Ask about costs
Specialists set their own fees.
Tap to see moreAsk the specialist's rooms about gap fees before you book.
Book nowBulk billed for eligible patients04Keep your GP updated
Results come back to your GP.
Tap to see moreBook a follow-up to talk through the plan.
Call (02) 4006 8222Find the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
From GP to specialist
How referrals work
Your GP decides with you whether a specialist opinion is needed, which type and who, and writes a referral with your history, medicines and results.
You then book with the specialist; they send a report back to your GP.
- 1Consultation
- 2Referral written and sent
- 3You book with the specialist
- 4Report back to your GP
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Can I choose my specialist?
Yes. Tell your GP if you have a preference.
Do I need to collect the referral?
Most are sent electronically.
Validity
How long referrals last
A GP referral to a specialist is usually valid for 12 months, unless your GP specifies otherwise. For some long-term conditions, an ongoing referral may be appropriate.
A referral from one specialist to another usually lasts 3 months.
- 1Check the date
- 2Renew before it expires
- 3Book a consult to renew
- 4Keep seeing your specialist
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
My referral has expired. What do I do?
Book a consultation to renew it.
Can I get an indefinite referral?
Sometimes, for ongoing conditions; ask your GP.
Physio, podiatry, scans
Allied health and imaging
Your GP can refer to physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, dietetics and imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT.
A care plan may give Medicare rebates for allied health visits.
- 1Consultation
- 2Referral or request form
- 3Book with the provider
- 4Results to your GP
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Providers set their own fees.
Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?
Not always, but a referral and care plan may give rebates.
Are scans bulk billed?
Imaging providers set their own fees.
Choosing a pathway
Public and private options
Some specialist care is available through public hospital outpatient clinics, often with longer waits, or privately with shorter waits and gap fees.
Your GP can explain options and costs.
- 1Discuss urgency
- 2Public or private
- 3Referral addressed
- 4Follow-up
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Is there a public option?
For many specialties; waits vary.
Will my health fund cover it?
Ask your fund and the specialist.
Understanding referrals to specialists
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Named and open referrals
A referral can be addressed to a specific specialist or written more generally so you can choose.
Tell your GP if you have a preference or need a specialist close to home.
Wait times and costs
Wait times and fees vary between specialists. Public outpatient clinics are generally free but may have longer waits.
Ask the specialist's rooms about fees and the Medicare rebate before your appointment.
Common referrals
Your GP can refer you to a wide range of specialists and services.
01DermatologyTap for details
Dermatology
- Used for
- Skin conditions and complex skin cancers.
- When
- When GP treatment is not enough.
- What happens
- Specialist assessment.
02CardiologyTap for details
Cardiology
- Used for
- Heart rhythm, chest pain, heart failure.
- When
- After GP assessment and tests.
- What happens
- Specialist review.
03OrthopaedicsTap for details
Orthopaedics
- Used for
- Joints, bones and sports injuries.
- When
- Dr Pitchford consults onsite.
- What happens
- Assessment and surgical opinion.
04GynaecologyTap for details
Gynaecology
- Used for
- Periods, pelvic pain, menopause.
- When
- If GP management is not enough.
- What happens
- Specialist care.
05PaediatricsTap for details
Paediatrics
- Used for
- Children's development and complex care.
- When
- By GP referral.
- What happens
- Specialist assessment.
06PsychologyTap for details
Psychology
- Used for
- Mental health support.
- When
- Through a treatment plan.
- What happens
- Talking therapy.
07PhysiotherapyTap for details
Physiotherapy
- Used for
- Injury and rehabilitation.
- When
- By referral to a local physiotherapist.
- What happens
- Treatment plan.
08ImagingTap for details
Imaging
- Used for
- X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI.
- When
- When needed to diagnose.
- What happens
- Results to your GP.
Myth or fact?
Test what you know about referrals to specialists. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
A GP referral to a specialist usually lasts 12 months.
Unless your GP specifies a different period.
02
You must see the specialist your GP names.
You can discuss your preference with your GP.
03
Specialists are always bulk billed.
Specialists set their own fees; ask about costs before you book.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
0monthsMonths, GP referral valid
Unless stated otherwise.
0monthsMonths, specialist to specialist
Typical validity.
0Consultation
To write or renew a referral.
0$Cost for eligible patients
Bulk billed consult.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Referrals to specialists at every stage
Assessment and first referral.
Renewals and ongoing referrals.
Physio, podiatry, psychology and scans.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with referrals to specialists. These team members list it among their interests.
General practitionerDr Alice Najjar
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Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
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GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
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General practitionerDr Christina YeongBook now
Holistic, evidence-based care with an international perspective, for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
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GP FellowDr Mofada HadiBook now
Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
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GP and directorDr Ali ZubaidyBook now
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
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General practitionerDr Mohamod Ayaz NilamBook now
Acute and chronic adult medicine, with hospital experience in cardiology, paediatrics and emergency medicine. Joining November 2026.
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GP registrarDr Mohamed Naim HafsahBook now
Women's health, respiratory medicine, rheumatology and palliative care. Speaks English, Tamil and Sinhala. Joining December 2026.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Referrals to specialists questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Do I need to see a GP for a referral?
Yes, a consultation is needed.
How long is a referral valid?
Usually 12 months from a GP.
Can I choose the specialist?
Yes.
Are specialist visits bulk billed?
Specialists set their own fees.
Will my results come back to my GP?
Yes.
Can I get a referral by telehealth?
Sometimes; ask reception.
