Request a Pulmonologist Referral Online

A pulmonologist is a medical professional who specialises in the diagnosis and management of lung and respiratory illnesses. They provide care for disorders that impact breathing and lung function.

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory illnesses
• Coughing up blood
• Sleep-related breathing problems

• Chronic or unexplained respiratory problems
• Advanced imaging test
• Suspected pulmonary disease
• Poorly managed asthma or COPD
• Sleep apnoea assessment and treatment

• Asthma – chronic airway inflammation causing breathing difficulty
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – progressive lung disease
• Pneumonia – a lung infection causing inflammation
• Tuberculosis – an infectious bacterial disease affecting the lungs
• Sleep apnoea – interrupted breathing during sleep
• Lung fibrosis – scarring of lung tissue

A GP referral to a pulmonologist is typically valid for 12 months; however, if issued by another specialist, it is only valid for three months. Always check your referral validity period.

Yes, online general practitioners can review your symptoms and medical history. If clinically indicated, they can provide a referral. However, because respiratory conditions often require a physical examination (such as listening to your chest with a stethoscope), your online GP may recommend an in-person consultation if a physical assessment is necessary to safely issue a referral.

Follow-up consultations are covered during the referral period. Once a referral expires, a new one is necessary.

Some pulmonology services in public hospitals are bulk-billed; private physicians may charge fees with potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Yes, you can ask your GP to refer you to a specific pulmonologist for continuity of care.

Referrals are often addressed to a certain provider. It is advisable to establish with the healthcare facility if it can be utilised in both systems.

If you experience any of the following, call 000 immediately or visit the nearest Emergency Department (ED):

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest ache or tightness
• Blue lips, hands or face (lower oxygen levels)
• Coughing up of blood
• Sudden worsening of asthma symptoms

A referral often includes consultation. Your GP or pulmonologist may issue a different referral for lung function tests or sleep studies based on your condition.

Not always. Your general practitioner may order initial imaging, but the pulmonologist may also request specialised tests following an examination.