Straight answers to the questions Australians ask most about GP referrals, specialist costs, and Medicare rebates.
Most specialists in Australia require a GP referral before they will see you. This includes dermatologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, and orthopaedic surgeons. Without a referral, you will not receive a Medicare rebate for the visit.
A few exceptions exist. You can see an optometrist, dentist, or physiotherapist without a referral. Emergency departments also do not need one. If you are unsure whether your specialist needs a referral, call their clinic first - most reception staff can tell you straight away.
Read more: How GP referrals work in Australia
Specialist fees vary widely depending on the type of specialist and whether they bulk bill. An initial consultation typically costs $150 to $400 out of pocket after the Medicare rebate. Some specialists charge $500 or more for complex consultations.
Medicare covers 85% of the schedule fee for out-of-hospital specialist visits. For example, if the schedule fee is $150, Medicare pays $127.50 and you cover the rest plus any gap between the schedule fee and the actual charge. Ask the specialist's rooms about fees before your appointment. Some specialists bulk bill concession card holders or children under 16.
Read more: Understanding Medicare rebates
Technically, yes - but you will pay the full cost yourself. Without a valid GP referral, Medicare will not contribute anything to the specialist fee. That means you could pay $300 to $500 or more with zero rebate.
The only specialists you can see without a referral and still claim Medicare are optometrists and a handful of others in specific circumstances. Emergency departments are always accessible without a referral. For everything else, start with your GP. The referral takes five minutes and saves you hundreds of dollars.
Read more: How GP referrals work in Australia
Wait times depend on the specialist type, your location, and whether you go public or private. In the public system, median wait times for elective surgery range from 39 days for urgent cases to over 300 days for non-urgent procedures. Private specialists typically see patients within 2 to 6 weeks.
Dermatologists and psychiatrists often have the longest waits, sometimes 3 to 6 months in metro areas and longer in regional towns. Ask your GP to mark the referral as urgent if your condition warrants it. Some specialists also keep cancellation lists that can get you in sooner.
Read more: Public vs private specialist pathways
Yes, Medicare covers specialist visits when you have a valid GP referral. For out-of-hospital appointments, Medicare pays 85% of the schedule fee. For in-hospital services (as a public patient), Medicare covers 75% of the schedule fee.
If your specialist bulk bills, you pay nothing. If they do not bulk bill, you pay the gap between the Medicare rebate and the specialist's actual fee. The Medicare Safety Net can help if your out-of-pocket costs add up. Once you hit the threshold ($560.40 for concession holders, $2,544 for others in 2025), Medicare pays a higher percentage of future out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the calendar year.
Read more: Understanding Medicare rebates
A standard GP referral lasts 12 months from the date it is written. Your GP can also write an indefinite referral, which has no expiry date and covers ongoing specialist care for the same condition.
If your 12-month referral expires before you finish treatment, you will need a new one from your GP to keep receiving Medicare rebates. Your specialist's rooms will usually remind you when your referral is close to expiring. If you are managing a chronic condition, ask your GP for an indefinite referral upfront - it saves repeat visits just for paperwork.
Read more: How GP referrals work in Australia