How to Get a Medical Referral

As of July 1st, 2023, new AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) guidelines require all patients to obtain a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) before scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Obtaining a referral is a crucial step in prioritizing patient safety and ensuring that they receive appropriate care. It also facilitates effective communication between the referring GP and the plastic surgeon. This promotes cohesive care throughout the patient’s journey.

If you are considering plastic surgery and wish to explore your options, the first step is to speak to your GP about your concerns. They will guide you through the referral process and may help you connect with a qualified plastic surgeon who can address your specific needs and provide personalized care.

Medicare and Private Health insurance Cover

If your surgery is eligible for a Medicare item number you’ll also need a valid Medical Referral to access the Medicare rebate (and maybe a Private Health Fund subsidy).

A Referral from a GP is valid for 12 months whereas a Referral from a Specialist is valid for 3 months. 

How to get a Medical Referral from a GP or a Specialist

To obtain a referral for a consultation with a plastic surgeon, you typically need to follow these steps:

• Schedule an Appointment with Your General Practitioner (GP)
  • Your first step is to book an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) or primary care physician.
  • During the appointment, discuss your concerns and reasons for seeking a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
  • Your GP will assess your medical history, current health status, and the nature of your concerns.
  • In many cases, GPs will provide a referral if they believe it is medically appropriate or if you have specific issues that may benefit from the expertise of a plastic surgeon.
• Obtain the Referral
  • If your GP agrees that a referral to a plastic surgeon is appropriate, they will provide you with a referral letter.
  • This letter contains relevant medical information about your condition and outlines the reason for the referral.
• Choose a Plastic Surgeon
  • Once you have the referral, you can research and choose a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in the specific procedure or area you are interested in.
• Schedule the Consultation
  • Contact the plastic surgeon’s office, provide them with the referral information, and schedule your consultation.
  • Some plastic surgeons may require you to send the referral letter before the appointment.

Note

For more information on what constitutes a valid medical referral to a specialist, see this article: https://medicalrepublic.com.au/referral-rules-everything-need-know/4252.

Dr Broughton Snell offers a range of breast, face and nose surgery. Our main clinic is located in Hawthorn East with another located in Bendigo, country Victoria.

Disclaimer
Please note that any content provided on our website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this website. The author and publisher do not guarantee the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the information presented herein. All actions taken based on the information in this article are at your own risk.