A specialist referral letter:
- makes you eligibility for certain Medicare rebates (if you have a valid Medicare card), so a specialist visit will usually cost you less out of pocket.
- provides key information about your health to the specialist
- gives the specialist details of your regular GP, which makes sure your important health information is stored in one place.
Most specialists in Australia require their patients to provide a new referral letter from a GP every 12 months, when their previous one expires. This makes the patient eligible for certain Medicare rebates. If you do not have an up-to-date referral letter when you see your specialist, the specialist appointment may cost you more.
To request a repeat specialist referral letter, go to the Qoctor specialist referrals page, and select “repeat specialist referral”. A telehealath appointment to discuss a repeat specialist referral letter with Qoctor costs $24.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will discuss your health issues with you over the phone.
It will usually possible to get a same day appointment with Qoctor- if the doctor issues a referral letter, you can download it from your account immediately following your appointment. If you need it faster (for example, if you are already at your specialist waiting room), just use the live chat on the homepage of the website, and the customer service team will try to get your telehealth appointment prioritised. To request a repeat referral letter from Qoctor, start here.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
