Online Specialist Referral Letters

You will be asked to fill out a request form detailing your symptoms, needs and some medical history. One of our Australian-registered doctors will then call you for a short consultation before issuing an online referral letter to a specialist.

Specialists are doctors with extensive training and education in their respective fields, equipping them with the expertise necessary to address intricate medical issues comprehensively. A specialist referral is needed when the primary healthcare professional thinks specialised knowledge is required to diagnose a medical condition.

If you require a specialist referral to be amended, it must be requested after your consultation so it may be assessed and reviewed by the issuing doctor.

To contact us, please send an email to support@hola.health to speak with one of our support team members for assistance.

Here are some examples of medical specialists and the types of conditions they commonly manage:

• Dermatologist: Treats conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Psychiatrist: Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
• Obstetrician–Gynaecologist (OB-GYN): Provides care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health.
• Cardiologist: Specialises in heart and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart disease.
• Gastroenterologist: Focuses on digestive system concerns, including the stomach, intestines, and liver; commonly treats issues like IBS, Crohn’s disease, and liver disorders.
• Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist: Manages conditions affecting hearing, sinus function, and throat health.
• Endocrinologist: Treats hormone-related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
• Urologist: Addresses urinary tract issues and male reproductive health, including kidney stones, prostate concerns, and urinary incontinence.
• Ophthalmologist: Specialises in eye care, including vision problems and eye diseases; may perform procedures like cataract surgery.
• Paediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and adolescents, covering a wide range of health concerns.

Specialist fees will vary by specialist. Please contact your specialist to understand their fee schedule and any Medicare rebates their services may be eligible for.

You can take your specialist referral to any specialist in the field of health care it is issued. You can check with the specialist clinic for appointments, gap fees and other details.

A specialist referral is valid for 12 months in Australia. The validity starts from the day you visit the specialist rather than the day it is issued.

If you realise your referral has expired when you arrive at your specialist appointment, you can request a new one online with Hola Health. Just complete a short online assessment and have a telehealth consult in 15 minutes to receive a referral quickly.

Yes. Registered with ADHA & guided by the Australian Privacy Principles, all specialist referrals have the consulting GP’s provider number, confirming its legitimacy. Request anytime via your phone or computer, get your referral reviewed and approved within 15 minutes. 

After the consultation, if the consulting GP approves, you will receive an online specialist referral letter via email. You can use this letter to book a specialist appointment at a clinic of your choice. You can use this online referral at most clinics or specialists in Australia.

In general, no, we are a national service, and our doctors cannot provide recommendations on specialists who might be on the other side of the country. Patient needs to choose their own specialist.

While it is true that some specialists may accept patients without a referral, many require one for several reasons: 

Without a referral, patients typically must pay for the specialist consultation entirely out of pocket, as they will not be eligible for reimbursement from Medicare. Seeing a general practitioner (GP) first is crucial because they are typically in the best position to determine the type of specialist you most need to see.