Specialist referral assessment online
You can discuss a new or renewed specialist referral with a Doccio doctor online. The doctor reviews your symptoms, previous care and relevant records before deciding whether a referral is appropriate and which service may help. It is not an automatic letter-writing service, and an existing appointment does not guarantee approval. Some concerns need an examination, investigations or your usual clinician's input before a useful referral can be prepared. Consultation: $59 during business hours or $79 after hours.
Common referral types
What you can request assessment for
- A new concern that may need a specialist opinion.
- Continuing specialist care where the existing referral needs review.
- A second opinion, with relevant history and previous reports available.
- Advice about which specialty or care pathway fits the problem.
- Clarification of whether further information is needed before referring.
How it works
Explain the reason
describe the problem and why specialist input is being considered.
Provide records
share relevant results, previous letters and any existing appointment details.
Complete the assessment
the doctor considers the appropriate service, urgency and information needed.
Arrange the next appointment
use any issued referral and confirm the receiving service's fees and availability.
What a referral can include
- The clinical reason for seeking an opinion and relevant history.
- Findings, results and current medicines relevant to the referral.
- The referring doctor's details, date and signature.
- Information supporting appropriate triage by the receiving service.
Referral rules and Medicare
Do I need a GP referral to see a specialist?
You can sometimes arrange a private specialist appointment without a GP referral, but Medicare generally requires a valid referral for specialist consultation benefits. An appointment without an eligible referral may leave you paying more. Confirm the specialist's booking requirements and fees before attending.
A referral is a clinical communication, not simply permission to book. It explains the relevant history, the question requiring specialist advice, and useful findings or investigations. Services Australia explains the Medicare referral requirements.
When is an in-person assessment needed?
Some concerns cannot be assessed safely by video or phone. A doctor may need to examine a lump or injury, listen to the heart or lungs, assess neurological symptoms, or arrange testing before deciding whether referral is appropriate.
Being directed to in-person or urgent care is an important outcome of a safe assessment, not a failed online appointment. Sudden or severe symptoms may require emergency care rather than a routine specialist referral.
How long does a referral last?
A GP referral commonly lasts 12 months from the first specialist attendance, not simply from the date it was written. A different period may be specified, and an indefinite referral may be appropriate for ongoing care. A new or unrelated condition can require a new referral. Services Australia explains referral periods.
Tell your doctor whether you need a first referral, continuing-care review or assessment of a different problem. Do not assume every expired letter should be recreated without reviewing the clinical context.
Referral does not mean free specialist care
The specialist sets their fees and determines the appointment arrangements. Medicare eligibility and any rebate depend on the relevant requirements; a referral does not guarantee bulk billing, a particular rebate or acceptance into a clinic. Ask the receiving service for a fee estimate before booking. See Healthdirect's referral guidance.
Different pathways have different requirements
A standard specialist letter is not automatically a mental health treatment plan, chronic-condition plan or authority for a specific procedure. Tell the doctor exactly what the receiving service has requested. Services Australia's referring and requesting guidance distinguishes different Medicare pathways.
Do not ask for a false issue date to cover a past appointment. Arrange referral assessment before attending whenever possible, and discuss any missing-document problem directly with the receiving practice.
Fees and practical limits
A Doccio referral consultation costs $59 during business hours or $79 after hours. The fee covers the assessment; it does not purchase guaranteed referral approval or include the specialist appointment.
If your symptoms need an examination first, the doctor will explain that. For investigations rather than a specialist opinion, read about pathology requests or imaging assessments.
Start with the right clinical question
Book a referral consultation and bring the records that will help the doctor understand your needs.
AHPRA-registered doctors
Every consult is with an Australian-registered doctor, accountable to the same standards as your local doctor.
Private and secure
Encrypted consults and records. Certificate checks reveal only what an employer needs to confirm.
Transparent pricing
$19, $29, $59 or $79. You see the price before you start and pay nothing if a doctor can't help.
Questions, answered
Specialist referral assessment online
Start online in a few minutes. An Australian doctor reviews your request and gets back to you, usually within the hour.