Referrals
Specialist referrals in Rutherford, explained simply.
Your GP can refer you to specialists, allied health and other services, and help coordinate your care.
The right care, with your GP alongside you.
When you need specialist care, your GP writes a referral that shares your history and the reason for the referral, so the specialist has what they need. Your GP stays involved, receives the specialist's report and helps coordinate your ongoing care.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice in Rutherford, near Maitland. Referral consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Need a referral? Book an appointment with your GP.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
Specialists
Referrals to medical specialists such as cardiologists, dermatologists or paediatricians.
A valid referral is needed to claim the Medicare rebate for most specialist visits.
GP referrals to specialists are usually valid for 12 months.
The specialist sends a report back to your GP.
Allied health
Physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatrists, psychologists and more.
A GP chronic condition management plan may give access to up to five Medicare-rebated allied health sessions a year.
A mental health treatment plan may give access to up to 10 rebated sessions a year.
Your health fund may also cover some allied health services.
Imaging and tests
X-rays, ultrasounds, CT, MRI and blood tests.
Your GP writes a request for the test you need.
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building.
Results come back to your GP, who will discuss them with you.
Named or open referrals
Choosing who you see.
Your GP can refer you to a specific specialist.
An open referral lets you choose a specialist in that field.
Your GP can explain options, including public hospital clinics.
Renewing a referral
When your referral expires.
Most specialist referrals last 12 months.
Book an appointment with your GP to renew it before your next specialist visit.
For some ongoing conditions, your GP may write a longer referral.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Types of referrals.
Common referrals and what you need to know.
Medical specialist
Specialist referral
For medical specialists such as cardiologists, surgeons or paediatricians.
Specialists set their own fees, so there may be a gap.
Ongoing care
Consultant physician
For physicians such as endocrinologists or respiratory physicians.
Your GP may write a longer referral for ongoing conditions.
Chronic conditions
Allied health under a care plan
For physiotherapy, dietetics, podiatry, exercise physiology and more.
Requires a GP chronic condition management plan.
Better Access
Mental health referral
For psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.
Requires a mental health treatment plan.
X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI
Imaging request
Your GP requests the imaging you need.
Some imaging attracts a gap fee.
Blood and urine tests
Pathology request
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building.
Results go to your GP.
Referral validity and Medicare rebates depend on the type of referral and Medicare rules.
Need a referral or a renewal?
How referrals work.
From your GP appointment to your specialist visit.
Bring
Information
Any letters, results or specialist details you already have.
Choose
Your specialist
Tell your GP if you have a preferred specialist or hospital.
See your GP sooner if
- Your symptoms get worse while waiting
- New concerning symptoms appear
- You are told the wait is long and you are worried
- Call 000 in an emergency
Step by step
- 1Consultation
Your GP assesses your concern and discusses whether a referral is needed.
- 2Referral
Your GP writes a referral with your history and the reason for the referral.
- 3Booking
You or your GP's team contact the specialist to book.
- 4Report
The specialist sends a report back to your GP, who helps coordinate next steps.
Ready to talk about a referral?
Public hospital clinics
Your GP can refer you to public outpatient clinics. Waiting times can vary.
Private health insurance
Check with your health fund about cover for specialists and allied health.
Costs
The GP consultation is bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Specialists and allied health providers set their own fees.
Book a referral appointment
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building, so blood tests and other samples can often be collected straight after your appointment. Most pathology is bulk billed.
What do I need?
Select your situation.
Book a time with your GP.
Our GPs.
Your regular GP knows your history best.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Referrals to specialists questions.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
You need a valid referral to claim the Medicare rebate for most specialist visits.
How long does a referral last?
GP referrals to specialists are usually valid for 12 months.
Can I get a referral without an appointment?
Referrals usually need a consultation so your GP can assess your needs.
Can I choose my specialist?
Yes. Your GP can write a named referral or an open referral.
Is a referral appointment bulk billed?
Yes, for Medicare-eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
This page provides general information about referrals to specialists services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
