A specialist referral is a letter from a GP that allows a patient to see a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, dermatologist or endocrinologist, and to claim any applicable Medicare rebate for that specialist visit. GP referrals are typically valid for twelve months.
Telehealth has simplified this step: a GP can assess the concern online and send the referral directly to a chosen specialist. For ADHD care, a fast tracked referral pathway can significantly shorten the time from first appointment to specialist review.