Medical specialists location and referral requirements
A medical specialist is a doctor who has completed advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine (a specialty area). A general practitioner (GP) or your hospital’s treating doctor will refer you to a medical or surgical specialist.
How to access a specialist
Outpatient specialist clinic
Specialist outpatient clinics are available in most public hospitals. You don’t need to be admitted to the hospital to get treatment. The clinics also provide medical and surgical services that are mostly free of charge to public patients who hold a Medicare card.
You need to show your Medicare card at each outpatient clinic appointment.
Fees may be charged for some items provided as part of your treatment, such as:
- dental services
- spectacles
- hearing aids
- surgical supplies
- prostheses
- pharmaceuticals
- home oxygen
- other aids and appliances.
If you are not eligible for Medicare, you have to pay for all outpatient services provided.
Private practice specialist clinic
Private practice specialist clinics are available at some public and private hospitals, or at private offices.
Specialist services at these clinics will cost you, however Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply. You should ask the specialist for their fees and rebates before you have treatment.
Depending on the rebates available, you may have to show your Medicare card.
Referral requirements
You will always need a current referral from your doctor to get an appointment with a medical or surgical specialist.
If you want to choose your own medical or surgical specialist, you can search through find a health service.
Handy tips
- Talk about your treatment options with your doctor, including whether you wish to be treated as a public or a private patient.
- Ask if your doctor can call the specialist outpatient clinic directly for an appointment.
- Read and reply to any letters you receive from the specialist—these contain details of your appointment, including pre-procedure requirements.
- Contact the specialist clinic if you need to change your appointment or no longer need the appointment.
In general, the specialist will send your doctor a copy of your appointment date and the results of your procedure.
Ambulance transport
- Ask your doctor to fill out a Medically Authorised Ambulance Transport form if you need one to take you to and from your appointment.
- Book the ambulance at least 1 week before your appointment.
Additional information for private patients
- Talk to your private health insurance provider about what your treatment will cover.
- Find out if your doctor can work at the hospital and agrees to treat you—this will guarantee the private doctor of your choice.
Tips to make your appointment stress-free
Before your appointment
- Confirm the location of the specialist outpatient or private practice clinic.
- Plan your trip—how to get to the hospital, parking locations and public transport schedule, if needed. Check if you are eligible for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.
- Call the hospital or clinic at least 2 weeks before your appointment if you require an interpreter.
- Prepare all test results, medical scans or reports related to your treatment. If you are unsure what to bring, ask your doctor.
- Plan the questions you need to ask your specialist and write them down.
Things to bring on the day of your appointment
- List of all current medications including vitamins
- Test results, medical scans or reports related to your treatment
- Medications and dietary supplements required during your visit
- Appointment letter from the specialist outpatient clinic
- Medicare card, pension card or any other concession card you may hold
- Your doctor’s address and phone number (if you have changed your doctor recently)
- Something to read while you wait, in case there are delays.