Home > Services >
Online referrals
Online referrals for specialists and tests
Need to see a specialist, or need blood tests or a scan? Where it's clinically appropriate, bulkbill.doctor GPs can write referrals and pathology or imaging requests after a phone or video consult, then email them to you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Damien Ford
General Practitioner MBBS FRACGP
WHO IT'S FOR
People needing a specialist referral or tests
What is an online referral
An online referral is a specialist referral, or a pathology or imaging request, that your GP writes after a telehealth consult. At bulkbill.doctor, GPs can write referrals by phone or video where it's clinically appropriate, and email them to you.
You can see a specialist without a referral, but Medicare benefits for the appointment will be lower, so you'll likely pay more out of pocket. A valid GP referral lets the specialist claim the higher Medicare benefit.
What happens in your consult
Your GP will:
 | talk with you about your symptoms, history and any results so far |
 | decide whether a specialist referral or tests are appropriate |
 | write a specialist referral where it's clinically appropriate |
 | request pathology, such as blood tests, or imaging, such as an ultrasound |
 | explain how long your referral lasts and what happens next |
 | talk about follow-up once your results are back |
Your referral or request is emailed to you after your consult. Choose an Extended appointment for more complex specialist referral coordination.
Medicare and online referrals
Medicare eligibility rules apply. Medicare pays for your consultation with the GP, and your eligibility is checked when you book. If you're not eligible, a private fee applies.
A GP referral to a specialist lasts 12 months from your first specialist appointment, unless your GP writes a different period. Pathology and imaging providers set their own billing, so check with them about costs.
How to book
 | Book online and choose the Long or Extended appointment type |
 | Talk with an Australian registered GP by phone or video |
 | If a referral or test is appropriate, your GP emails it to you |
What you need
| Your Medicare card details, so your eligibility can be checked |
| A private, quiet space and a phone, tablet or computer |
| The name of a specialist you'd like to see, if you have one in mind |
| Any recent test results or letters from other doctors, if you have them |
FAQ
Can I get an online referral?
Yes. Book a telehealth consult with a bulkbill.doctor GP. If a referral is clinically appropriate, your GP writes it and emails it to you after the consult.
How long is a GP referral to a specialist valid?
12 months from your first specialist appointment, unless your GP writes a different period. That can include an indefinite referral for ongoing care.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
You can book without one, but Medicare will pay less for the appointment, so you'll likely be more out of pocket. With a GP referral, the higher Medicare benefit applies.
Can you refer me for blood tests or scans?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, our GPs can request pathology, such as blood tests, and imaging, such as an ultrasound, and email it to you. See our pathology and imaging referrals page for how it works.
Do I need a new referral for a different condition?
Yes. You'll need a new referral for a new or unrelated condition. For ongoing care of the same condition, your GP can write a longer or indefinite referral.
Is an online referral bulk billed?
Anyone can book. Medicare bulk billed if eligible. Medicare pays for the consultation with your GP, and your eligibility is checked when you book. If you're not eligible, a private fee applies.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. When you book, you can choose the doctor you'd like to see.
How long is a referral appointment?
It's a 20-minute phone or video consult for planning tests or referrals. Choose a 40-minute Extended appointment for complex coordination.
Managing a long-term condition? See our chronic condition management plan.
APPOINTMENT
Long
20 minutes for planning tests or referrals
CONSULT
Phone or Video
From anywhere in Australia
Need help now?
This is not an emergency service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Call 000
Lifeline - 24/7 crisis support
MEDICARE
Medicare bulk billed if eligible
Eligibility checked when you book
Related services
More ways an Australian GP can help
Standard
Chronic Condition Plan
Standard