If your specialist referral has expired, you may need to renew your specialist referral before your next appointment. This situation is common for patients who are continuing care with a specialist and realise their referral is no longer valid. If you cannot easily see your GP, it may be possible to renew your referral online following a telehealth consultation with an Australian registered doctor.
When Do You Need to Renew a Specialist Referral?
You may need to renew your referral if:
- your referral has expired
- your specialist has asked for a new referral
- you are returning for a follow-up appointment
- your previous referral only covered a limited period
Many patients only realise they need to renew their specialist referral shortly before their appointment.
If you’re unsure whether your referral is still valid, you can check here: Do specialist referrals expire?
Can You Renew a Specialist Referral Online?
In many cases, yes. Doctors can assess patients via telehealth (phone or video consultation) and, if appropriate, provide a referral without requiring an in-person clinic visit. During the consultation, the doctor will:
- confirm your identity and medical history
- understand why you are seeing the specialist
- determine whether a referral is appropriate
If appropriate, a repeat specialist referral can be issued.
How to Renew a Specialist Referral Online
Renewing your referral is usually straightforward.
Step 1: Complete a short online request
Step 2: Speak with a doctor via telehealth
Step 3: If appropriate, receive your referral
Your referral can then be downloaded, printed or sent to your specialist
What If Your Referral Has Already Expired?
If your referral has expired, your specialist may request a new referral before your appointment. Without a valid referral, you may still be able to see the specialist, however, Medicare rebates may not apply. If your appointment is approaching, you may be able to renew your specialist referral online to avoid delays.
Do you need to renew a referral if you are seeing a specialist for a different issue?
Sometimes, yes. Even if your referral has not expired, a new referral may be required if you are seeing the specialist for a different condition. For example, if you are already seeing a dermatologist for acne but then want them to assess a mole or new rash.
Key Points About Renewing a Specialist Referral
most specialist referrals need to be renewed after a period of time. If your initial referral was specialist-to-specialist, this only lasts for 3 months.
- a valid specialist referral letter is often needed to access Medicare rebates when attending your specialist
it is often possible to renew your referral via telehealth, with your own GP or an online telehealth doctor service such as Qoctor.
a new/updated referral is typically required for a different condition
What if your specialist referral has expired?
If your referral has expired and you need to see your specialist again, you will usually need a new referral from a GP. This commonly happens when:
the previous referral has reached the 12-month limit
your specialist requests a new referral before a follow-up appointment
you are seeing a specialist for a different condition
If you cannot easily attend your usual GP clinic, you can request a repeat specialist referral via an online telehealth consultation.
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Clinical review & governance
Medically reviewed by Dr Ali Zavery
Dr. Aliasgar Zavery BSc (hons) MBBS MRCGP FRACGP DCH Dr Aliasgar (Ali) Zavery is originally from Nottingham, England. He trained at Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London, qualifying in 2003. He worked as a GP partner…
This health information has been clinically reviewed by an Australian doctor. Qoctor health pages are reviewed to support clear, evidence-informed guidance; they do not replace individual medical advice.
Telehealth is not suitable in all medical situations — patients will be advised if an in-person assessment is needed. In an emergency, call 000.