Bulk Billed Online Referral

Get a Specialist Referral from an Online GP

Get a specialist referral from an AHPRA-registered bulk billed online doctor, issued electronically where clinically appropriate after your consult. This online GP referral process is bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders, so there's no out-of-pocket cost to be assessed and, if appropriate, referred on. Whether you need a doctor referral for the first time or want a second opinion, your GP can assess your situation and issue an electronic referral if it's the right next step. Referrals are valid for use with the specialist of your choice and are not tied to a particular clinic Prime Medic recommends.

Is the Referral Consult Bulk Billed

The GP consult, meaning the appointment where your situation is assessed and a referral decision is made, can be bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders. That's separate from anything that happens afterwards. Once you see the specialist, they set and charge their own consultation fee, independent of Prime Medic and independent of whether your GP consult was bulk billed. It's a distinction worth understanding upfront, because 'bulk billed referral' sometimes gets read as 'free specialist visit', and that's not what it means. Some specialists bulk bill their own consults too, but that's their decision to make, not something Prime Medic can guarantee on your behalf. If you're unsure, check your Medicare status with Services Australia.

How to Request a Referral

Book an appointment and complete a short set of intake questions about your situation.
Speak with your GP by phone or video.
Your GP assesses whether a referral is clinically appropriate and, if so, which type of specialist fits your situation.
If issued, your referral is sent to you electronically, ready to use with a specialist of your choice.

Booking doesn't guarantee a referral. It depends on your GP's assessment of what's clinically appropriate for your situation, consistent with the referral standards GPs across Australia use. If your GP decides a referral isn't the right step yet, they'll explain what they'd suggest instead, whether that's further monitoring or a different kind of care.

What Happens After the Referral Is Issued

Once you have your referral, you can book directly with a specialist. Prime Medic doesn't manage that booking for you. Keep a copy for your records, since you may need to show it again if your referral needs to be renewed before your appointment. Specialists generally require the original referral before you can claim your first appointment against Medicare, so it's worth sending it through as soon as you receive it. For a fuller look at how the referral process works, including how long a referral lasts, see our specialist referral hub.

Choosing Between the Specialist Types on Offer

If your GP hasn't recommended a specific specialist by name, you're not stuck choosing blindly. Ask your GP what to look for, such as sub-specialty experience or typical wait times for that kind of appointment, and use your referral with whichever practice best fits. Nothing about the referral itself limits you to one particular provider unless your GP has a specific clinical reason for recommending someone in particular.

Need Medical Advice?

Consult with our experienced doctors from the comfort of your home. Available 24/7 for your convenience.

Book Appointment

1300 090 252

See a Bulk Billing Doctor Online

Speak with an Australian-registered doctor online. Eligible Medicare card holders may have no out-of-pocket cost.

Book a Bulk Billing Doctor

Frequently Asked Question

Some common questions asked by you

Is an online specialist referral bulk billed?

The GP consult where your referral is assessed and issued can be bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders.

Does the specialist appointment also get bulk billed?

Not automatically. The specialist sets and charges their own fee, separate from your GP consult. Some specialists bulk bill, but that's their own decision.

How long is a GP referral valid for?

Validity varies depending on the referral type and the specialist you're seeing. Check our specialist referral guide for the specifics, or ask your GP directly.

Can I choose which specialist I am referred to?

Yes. Once you have your referral, you can use it with the specialist of your choice, as long as that specialist is accepting new patients.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist in Australia?

For most specialists, yes. Medicare generally requires a valid GP referral for a specialist visit to be eligible for a rebate.

Can a GP refer me to any specialist I choose?

Generally, yes, if you have a specialist in mind, though your GP may also suggest options based on your situation and what's clinically appropriate.

Is a referral the same as a booking with the specialist?

No. A referral is a document that allows you to book with a specialist. You still need to arrange the appointment yourself.

Bulk Billed Online Specialist Referrals