referral policy

Our practice requires all patients to have a valid referral.

 

For New Patients

 

It is our policy not to book a new appointment without a referral. This is because we use a triage process for all new patients. A referral provides us with the necessary information to ensure you are being seen by the most appropriate specialist within a medically appropriate time frame.

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For returning patients

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We encourage you to obtain a new referral on a yearly basis from your general practitioner (GP), even if your current referral has not expired yet. This will ensure you are covered between appointments so that your doctor can continue care. With a valid referral we can quickly organise urgent appointments and our doctors can also conduct telehealth consultations when appropriate.

 

We also encourage you to obtain a new referral if:

• Your GP provider has changed

• You have updated medical history

• Your medication list has changed

 

A referral from a GP lasts 12 months, unless noted otherwise. Your GP may also be able to write an 'indefinite' referral. As per Medicare standards, we can accept these to cover a period of 5 years (60 months).

 

Referrals from specialists and other consultant physicians are valid for 3 months.

 

Please note Medicare will not cover any costs for appointments or Telehealth consultations if you visit a specialist without a referral. Your Health Fund will not cover any costs for consultations.

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