The Referral Letter
For more details about Medicare Referral requirements see Fees, Rebates & Referrals.
Our staff will be able to advise about your current referral status or need for a new referral. Ultimately it is the family’s responsibility to obtain a valid medical referral if they wish to access applicable Medicare rebates.
The Referral Letter should be faxed or emailed to the practice at least a week prior to your appointment wherever possible. Your referred doctor should be able to review your GP’s concerns before your appointment and staff may need to address problems with the referral. The referral letter must on file prior to the commencement of your appointment. Medicare is strict about referrals.
An appointment can still proceed without a referral and staff will be able to lodge a claim, but you will receive a smaller rebate.
Questionnaires
Questionnaires provided to you by staff or your doctor should be completed and returned to the practice as soon as possible and well before the day of your appointment. Your doctor may wish to read these prior to meeting. When completed, bring them to the rooms, or send them by express or registered post, fax or email at least a week before your appointment.
What else to bring to your appointment
Blue Book especially if your child is under 7 or in the context of growth concerns.
Relevant reports, letters or assessments (copies) from other health professionals or educational institutions etc.
Your child! - Good paediatric medical practice requires that your child is present but it may be feasible or helpful to have your child in the waiting room for some of the appointment time, depending on age and other factors. Generally, you will only be eligible for Medicare rebates if your child attends. Sometimes parents/guardians and their paediatric specialist may agree that an appointment can be appropriately attended without their child. In this case, parents may wish to discuss the suitability of obtaining their own referral with their GP to allow a claim for the normal Medicare rebates .
