What happens if you visit a specialist without a referral?

If you visit a specialist in Australia without a referral from a general practitioner (GP), you may still receive care, but there are a few important considerations:

• Without a referral, you may not be eligible for Medicare rebates, meaning you’ll have to cover the full cost of the specialist consultation out of pocket.
• Additionally, specialists generally prefer to have a referral, as it provides them with your medical history and the GP’s notes, helping them better understand your condition and provide more targeted care.
• It’s typically recommended to get a referral to ensure both financial and medical continuity.

How long does a referral last?

The length of a medical referral may vary based on several factors, such as the policies of the healthcare provider and the nature of the medical concern. Typically, a referral is valid for a specific period, usually ranging from 90 days to one year. 

More information here – Online Specialist Referral Letters typically within 15 minutes (Based on typical wait times; may vary by demand and practitioner availability) – Hola Health