Getting A Medicare Specialist Referral Online –What Does It Involve?

Before you can see a specialist, you will need to obtain a referral from a doctor. Waiting around in a crowded medical practice isn’t an ideal situation, however, there is a much easier way.

Although doctors provide a variety of health services, there are times where you will need to visit a specialist regarding your condition. But before you can, you will be required to obtain a Medicare specialist referral from a GP (General Practitioner) being doing so.

Firstly, what is a specialist referral?

It is a referral letter that is obtained from your doctor. After being assessed by a GP, they may require you to visit a specific type of medical specialist to assess your condition further or provide a particular type of treatment.

It will explain the medical reason as to why you need to visit the specialist and include any relevant medications, allergies and medical history regarding your condition. Specialist referrals are usually valid for only twelve months and require an appointment with a GP in order to get a new referral.

However, for continuing health conditions, a doctor can give you a referral letter for an indefinite period if you require ongoing treatment.

What does a specialist referral do?

The purpose of a referral letter is to provide information regarding you and your condition. This is so the specialist doesn’t need to ask a lot of questions, understands exactly what is being asked of them, and so they are fully aware of any relevant or important background information.

When getting a Medicare specialist referral, you will receive a Medicare rebate to cover a portion of the cost. However, you will need to be an Australian Medicare cardholder and require a referral letter from a doctor before seeing a specialist.

When will you require a specialist referral?

A doctor can refer you to a specialist in situations such as:

1. The doctor believes that you require further investigation or tests.
2. The doctor believes that you require specific treatment that only a specialist can provide.
3. The doctor believes that you require expertise that only a specific specialist can conduct.

This can involve needing to get an x-ray, a blood test and other types of diagnostic imaging and pathology services.

A common example is if a person is experiencing pregnancy complications then they will be referred to an obstetrician. Another example is someone suffering from cancer being referred to a surgeon or oncologist for further treatment regarding their condition.

How can you get your referral?

Traditionally, you would have to make an appointment with your local GP. This involved spending your time hanging around a crowded waiting room with other sick patients, which isn’t very ideal when you are just needing a referral letter.

However, telemedicine services like Prime Medic offer a much quicker, easier and affordable alternative. Rather than having to leave the comfort of your own home, you can simply book a video consultation with a qualified doctor and get your Medicare specialist referral online instead.

To find out how simple our process is, download the Prime Medic app and create an account today or explore our website for more information.

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