Specialist referrals
Specialist referrals from an online GP
You may already know which specialist you want, or you may want a GP to recommend who could help. A HerDoc GP can discuss the concern with you and provide a specialist referral when it is the right next step.
Can an online GP provide a specialist referral?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can provide a specialist referral after discussing your health concern with you. You can ask for a particular specialist or ask the GP which type of specialist they recommend.
Ask for a specialist or a recommendation
You may already have a particular specialist in mind, or you may want the GP to recommend the kind of specialist who could help. Either is fine. You can talk through what is happening, how long it has been present, what has changed and what you have already tried.
You might ask about a specialist because symptoms are continuing, a result needs further assessment, treatment has not helped, a condition needs specialist care or you want another opinion. Your GP can discuss whether a referral would help and what information to include.
Named and general referrals
You can ask to be referred to a particular specialist, or ask the GP to recommend the type of specialist who may help. Australian referral guidance also allows a referral to be addressed generally rather than to one named specialist in some circumstances.
A referral explains the health concern and why specialist advice is being requested. Your GP can explain whether a named or general referral makes more sense for you.
What happens after your consultation
If your GP provides a referral, the doctor creates it and HerDoc emails it to you. The GP can explain who it is for, why specialist advice is being requested and what you need to do next. Keep the referral and any relevant reports together so they are ready when you arrange the specialist appointment.
You can then contact the specialist service to make an appointment and ask what information to bring. If you are unsure about any part of the referral, ask your GP before the consultation ends.
Your GP will help plan the next step
Sometimes more records, tests or an examination will help before a referral is made. Your GP may also recommend a different type of health professional or continued GP care if that better fits the concern.
You can ask what the GP recommends, why and what should happen next. The aim is to leave the appointment with a clear plan, whether that includes a referral now or another step first.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Concerns needing immediate local assessment
- Symptoms that require a physical examination before referral
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical help if symptoms are severe, sudden, rapidly worsening or could be an emergency; call 000 for immediate danger. An in-person examination or hospital pathway may need to come before a routine specialist referral when the GP needs physical findings, immediate tests, monitoring or faster treatment.
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Stroke signs or fainting
- Severe bleeding or severe pain
- Immediate danger
Discuss whether specialist advice may help
You can ask for a particular specialist or talk through your concern and ask the GP who they recommend. Bring any previous reports or specialist details you already have.
Related pages
FAQs
Can an online GP provide a specialist referral?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can provide a specialist referral after discussing the health concern with you. You can ask for a particular specialist or ask the GP who they recommend.
Can I ask for a referral to a specific specialist?
Yes. Bring the specialist's name, practice and contact details, and explain why you are seeking their advice. The GP will consider the request and whether that specialty fits the health concern.
Can the GP provide a general referral?
Yes. A GP can provide a general referral without naming one particular specialist when that fits the situation. You can then choose a specialist or ask the GP for a recommendation.
What information does the GP need before making a referral?
You can talk through your current symptoms, relevant history, medicines, previous assessment and why you are considering specialist advice. Reports, scans, pathology and earlier letters can help if you have them.
Should I provide previous reports, scans or blood-test results?
Yes, provide relevant reports if you have them. Complete reports are more useful than a single image or result because they show dates, findings, units and the original context.
Can I ask for a referral for a second opinion?
Yes. You can talk with the GP about why you want another opinion and any diagnosis, treatment options or unanswered questions you want reviewed. The GP can discuss what information and type of specialist would help.
Can an online GP renew an existing specialist referral?
Yes. Explain during intake that you need a referral renewal and what the ongoing specialist care is for. The GP can review the purpose of the request and organise the renewal during the consultation.
What if the GP decides a referral is not appropriate?
Your GP will explain what they recommend and why. The next step might be more information, testing, treatment through general practice, an examination, monitoring or a different health professional.
Will I need an in-person examination before a referral?
You may need an examination when physical findings are important to the referral decision or when symptoms cannot be assessed adequately online. The GP should explain what needs to be checked and how quickly.
How long does a specialist referral last?
Under current Medicare guidance, a GP referral to a specialist generally lasts 12 months from the specialist's first meeting with you unless a different period is stated. The exact period and course of treatment depend on the referral, so check the document and confirm with the specialist service.
Will Medicare cover part of the specialist appointment?
A valid referral may allow you to claim a Medicare benefit for an eligible specialist service, but it does not mean the whole fee will be covered. Ask the specialist service about its fee, the expected rebate and your likely out-of-pocket cost before booking.
Is the specialist appointment included in the HerDoc fee?
Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee. The specialist appointment is separate, and its fees and Medicare arrangements depend on the specialist service and your circumstances.
Does HerDoc book the specialist appointment for me?
No. HerDoc emails the referral to you, and you contact the specialist service to arrange the appointment. Your GP can explain what information to take with you.
Can HerDoc guarantee a specialist appointment or wait time?
HerDoc cannot guarantee a specialist appointment or wait time because each specialist service manages its own availability. Contact the service to discuss appointment options after you receive the referral.
What if I need an urgent specialist assessment?
Do not wait for a routine referral appointment if symptoms are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening. Call 000 for an emergency or seek prompt local medical assessment so the right service and timeframe can be decided.