How to Fast-Track Your Specialist Referral

In Australia today, almost 3 in 10 people say they waited longer than they felt was acceptable for a medical specialist appointment – and in some public clinics, waits can stretch to five or even six years for certain specialists.

That’s not a typo: years.

If you’ve ever been told you need to see a dermatologist for a suspicious mole, or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist for chronic sinus issues, you already know the sinking feeling:

• First you wait to see a GP.
• Then you wait for the referral letter.
• Then you wait again for the specialist appointment itself.

In the middle of all that, you’re Googling symptoms at 2am, wondering if there’s any way to speed things up – especially if you’re in pain, worried about cancer, or struggling with something private like sexual health, erectile issues, or recurrent infections.

This article is for you.

We’ll walk through how specialist referrals work in Australia, why they matter for Medicare, and real-world ways to fast‑track your referral – including how to safely use specialist referral online options and telehealth. We’ll zoom in on two common examples:

• Dermatologist referral (for skin, hair and nail issues, including skin cancer checks)
• ENT referral (for chronic sinusitis, ear problems, tonsillitis, sleep apnoea and more)

Along the way, we’ll share:

• Little-known rules about referral length and flexibility
• Tips to avoid common delays and repeat paperwork
• How telehealth Australia services (including our team at NextClinic) can help you get an online doctor referral in minutes, not days

By the end, you’ll know exactly which steps you can take this week to shave days – sometimes weeks – off your journey to seeing the right specialist.

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The reality of specialist wait times in Australia

First, let’s be honest about the problem we’re all dealing with.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 28–29% of Australians in recent years reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a medical specialist appointment. Even with slight improvements more recently, more than a quarter of us are still stuck in queues that feel too long.

In the public hospital outpatient system, waits can be extreme. An ABC analysis in late 2025 found that in some parts of South Australia and Tasmania, people were waiting:

• 5.5+ years to see certain ENT specialists
• 6+ years for some other specialties

Cost is another major barrier. National wellbeing data show that about 10% of Australians delayed or skipped seeing a specialist due to cost in 2023–24, up from 8% a decade earlier. For some fields – like dermatology – out‑of‑pocket fees have climbed sharply, and reports suggest hundreds of thousands of people are putting off specialist care because they simply can’t afford it.

In other words:

• Wait times are long.
• Costs are rising.
• And yet, your health issue isn’t on pause while the system catches up.

That’s exactly why getting your referral sorted quickly and strategically makes such a big difference. You can’t control the whole system, but you can control the first steps.

What is a specialist referral (and why you usually need one in Australia)?

A referral is a letter from one health professional (usually your GP) to another health professional or service – most commonly a medical specialist.

In the Australian system, referrals are important because:

• They document why you’re being sent to the specialist
• They summarise your relevant history, medications, tests and treatments
• They’re how you access Medicare rebates for specialist visits – if you see a specialist without a valid referral, Medicare usually won’t cover the cost at all

A typical specialist referral from a GP in Australia:

• Is valid for 12 months (unless written as “indefinite”)
• Usually covers one course of treatment for a particular condition
• Can often be addressed to a specific doctor (“Dr Smith”) or to a type of specialist (“Dear Dermatologist”) – the latter is sometimes called an “open referral”

For longer-term or chronic conditions (for example, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing skin cancer surveillance, or a complex sexual health issue), indefinite referrals can be appropriate. Healthdirect notes that GPs can write referrals beyond 12 months, or with no end date, for chronic conditions.

Key takeaways:

• No valid referral = no Medicare specialist rebate (in almost all cases)
• One referral can often be used with different specialists in the same field, unless you’re a private patient in a public hospital or there are special conditions on the letter
• The referral letter itself can be electronic (faxed, emailed securely or uploaded), and still be valid under Medicare, as long as it follows the usual rules

Understanding these basics already puts you ahead of the game – because a lot of delays happen around referral logistics, not just specialist availability.

Why your referral timing matters (and how it can save months)

Think of your health journey as a pipeline:

1. Recognise there’s a problem.
2. See a GP (in person or via telehealth).
3. Obtain a referral.
4. Book with a specialist (public or private).
5. Finally, get diagnosis/treatment.

If step 2 or 3 gets delayed – for example, you can’t get a GP appointment for two weeks, or your referral expires before your next review – the entire timeline blows out.

A few common traps:

• GP booked out for weeks – you can’t see them in time to get a new or renewed referral before an upcoming specialist appointment.
• Expired referral – you arrive at the specialist only to realise your referral is no longer valid, so Medicare won’t rebate the visit.
• Referral written too narrowly – it’s only addressed to one doctor who has a six‑month waitlist, when there are other specialists in the same field who could see you sooner.

By being proactive, you can avoid a lot of this:

• Request your referral as soon as you know you’ll need a specialist, not the week before your appointment.
• If you have a chronic condition, ask whether an indefinite referral is appropriate (not always, but sometimes very reasonable).
• Ask for an open referral (for example, “Dear Dermatologist” or “Dear ENT Specialist”) so you can take that same letter to whichever clinic has the best wait time or price.

And this is where specialist referral online options can be a game‑changer: instead of waiting days or weeks for a face‑to‑face GP visit purely to get a letter, you can often sort that step within an hour via telehealth, as long as it’s clinically appropriate.

Telehealth in Australia: why online doctor referrals are now mainstream

Telehealth isn’t a fringe thing anymore – it’s part of the core healthcare system in Australia.

ABS data shows that in 2023–24, around 23.6% of Australians had at least one telehealth consultation for their own health in the previous year, and almost 9 in 10 of those people said they’d happily use telehealth again.

Since COVID-19, the federal government has embedded telehealth into Medicare and expanded digital health tools like electronic prescriptions and My Health Record. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that telehealth is especially valuable for people in rural and remote areas, who may otherwise travel long distances just to see a GP or specialist.

Telehealth can be used for:

• GP consultations
• Specialist follow-ups
• Mental health care
• Chronic disease management
• Referrals, prescriptions and medical certificates, where appropriate

At NextClinic, we’re a 100% online telehealth service. We offer:

• Online medical certificates
• Instant eScripts for many common medications
• Telehealth consultations with Australian-registered doctors
• And, importantly for this article, online specialist referrals – including dermatologist referral and ENT referral – issued after a short phone consultation, usually within an hour.

Telehealth doesn’t replace in‑person care for everything. But when your main need is a referral letter, and your situation is suitable for assessment over the phone, telehealth can dramatically speed up the admin so you can move on to the part that really matters: seeing the specialist.

When an online specialist referral is appropriate – and when it isn’t

Let’s talk safety, because this matters more than speed.

Online referral is often reasonable when:

• You already know you need ongoing specialist follow‑up
  • e.g. renewing a referral to a dermatologist you’ve seen before for psoriasis or previous skin cancers
  • e.g. renewing an ENT referral for chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or hearing issues
• You have a non‑emergency, stable concern that clearly falls within a specialist’s area
  • stubborn acne, eczema or hair loss for a dermatologist
  • snoring, suspected sleep apnoea, recurrent tonsillitis or chronic ear infections for ENT
• You’ve had previous investigations (like blood tests, imaging, skin biopsies) and need a referral to move to the next step
• You need a referral for a specialist related to sexual health or reproductive health, such as:
  • a gynaecologist for painful periods, endometriosis or contraception issues
  • a urologist for erectile dysfunction, testicular problems or recurrent UTIs
  • a sexual health physician for recurrent STIs

In these cases, a thorough telehealth consultation plus access to your history (and sometimes your My Health Record or previous letters) may be enough to decide which specialist you should see and to safely issue a referral.

Online referral is not appropriate if:

• You have red‑flag symptoms that could require urgent in‑person assessment, for example:
  • sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of stroke (face drooping, weakness, slurred speech)
  • heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or sudden severe testicular pain
  • rapidly spreading rash with fever, or a very unwell child
  • sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or a new severe headache with neck stiffness
• You’re experiencing a mental health crisis, such as thoughts of self‑harm or suicide
• You’re seriously unwell and might need hospital-level care

In these situations, you should call 000, present to an emergency department, or see an in‑person GP or urgent care clinic. An online referral from any telehealth service – including us – is not the right first step.

At NextClinic, our doctors will only issue referrals when it’s clinically appropriate. If we believe you need an in‑person assessment or urgent care instead, we’ll explain why and guide you to the right setting.

Fast‑tracking a dermatologist referral

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, and dermatologists are in demand. That means a dermatologist referral is one of the more common (and often more urgent) letters people need.

When might you need a dermatologist referral?

Common reasons include:

• A new or changing mole – especially if it’s asymmetrical, has uneven borders, unusual colours, or is growing or bleeding
• Persistent or severe acne, especially if scarring
• Chronic eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis not improving with standard treatments
• Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, patchy hair loss)
• Chronic nail problems such as thickening, discolouration or recurrent infections
• Recurrent skin infections or unexplained rashes
• Concerns about genital skin conditions, which may overlap with sexual health (for example, lichen sclerosus, genital warts or herpes complications)

Given rising dermatology fees and long waitlists, getting your referral right the first time really matters. Reports suggest average out‑of‑pocket costs for initial dermatology visits have climbed considerably, contributing to many Australians delaying care.

How to fast‑track your dermatologist referral

1. Be clear on your main concern

Before your telehealth or in‑person GP appointment, jot down:

• What exactly worries you (e.g. “changing mole on left shoulder” vs “skin check”)
• How long it’s been present
• Any treatments you’ve already tried
• Any relevant photos you’ve taken over time

1. Ask for an open referral where appropriate

A referral that says “Dear Dermatologist” instead of a single named doctor gives you flexibility to:

• Compare wait times across clinics
• Seek a second opinion if needed
• Switch to another dermatologist if you move or your first preference can’t see you for months

1. Consider location and telehealth options for the specialist

Some dermatologists now offer telehealth review for certain conditions or follow‑ups. Check via the practice website or ask when you book.

1. Use telehealth Australia services for the referral itself

If your regular GP is booked out, an online doctor referral can be a smart way to:

• Renew an existing dermatologist referral
• Get a new referral for a clearly skin‑related issue

At NextClinic, we provide specialist referral online services, including dermatologist referrals, usually within an hour after a short phone consultation.

1. Check likely fees in advance

Before you lock in a specialist, visit the federal government’s Medical Costs Finder to see typical fees and out‑of‑pocket costs for dermatology and other specialties around Australia.

If you’re curious about skin health more generally, you might also enjoy our blog post on sunscreen myths and skin protection, “Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors? 3 Myths Busted” over on the NextClinic blog.

Fast‑tracking an ENT referral

ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists – also called otolaryngologists – handle a wide range of conditions, from chronic sinus infections to sleep apnoea.

Common reasons for an ENT referral

• Chronic sinusitis (blocked nose, facial pressure, frequent infections)
• Recurrent or chronic tonsillitis or sore throats
• Persistent ear infections or fluid in the middle ear
• Hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing), or balance problems
• Suspected sleep apnoea (loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, daytime exhaustion)
• Nasal obstruction from polyps or a deviated septum
• Complex head and neck issues (such as certain cancers or structural problems)

Our own blog post, “Sinus Infection or Bronchitis?” explains how respiratory illnesses can sometimes evolve into chronic sinus problems – a common pathway to ENT referral.

How to fast‑track an ENT referral

1. Document your symptoms over time

For chronic issues, a brief symptom diary (for example, how often you get sinus infections or tonsillitis each year) can help both your referring doctor and the ENT see how severe and long‑standing the problem is.

1. List treatments you’ve already tried

Include:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal sprays or antihistamines
• Sleep studies or previous hearing tests

This helps avoid delays where a specialist asks for more basic steps to be completed first.

1. Ask your GP or telehealth doctor for a clear, detailed referral

The referral should mention:

• Duration and frequency of symptoms
• Past treatments and responses
• Any relevant scans (CT sinuses, sleep studies, audiograms) already done

A well‑written referral can sometimes help the specialist triage you more accurately, especially if your case is more urgent.

1. Use a specialist referral online service when timing is tight

If your ENT appointment is approaching and your old referral is expiring, or you simply can’t get in to see your regular GP, an ENT referral via telehealth can save your appointment. We often see patients in exactly this situation at NextClinic: your ENT visit is booked, but your GP is booked out, and you just need that piece of paper renewed. Our doctors can review your history with a short phone call and issue a valid referral letter online, if it’s clinically appropriate to do so.

1. If cost is a concern, ask about public hospital clinics

Private ENT fees can be high, especially for procedures. A good referral will still help you access public hospital ENT clinics, although you may wait longer. Recent reports highlight that many people simply don’t realise their GP can refer them to free public outpatient clinics for specialist care.

You can also check our article “Thunderstorm Asthma: Triggers and How to Stay Safe” if your ENT issues are tied up with allergies and asthma.

Step‑by‑step: How to get a specialist referral online with NextClinic

If you’ve decided an online referral makes sense for your situation, here’s how our process works at NextClinic.

1. Submit your request online

Head to our [Online Specialist Referrals](https://nextclinic.com.au/specialist-referral-online) page and:

• Choose New Referral or Renew Referral
• Tell us what kind of specialist you need (for example, dermatologist referral, ENT referral, cardiologist, gynaecologist, etc.)
• Answer a short, clinically designed questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history, medications and Medicare details

You can do this from anywhere in Australia, as long as you’re 18 or over.

2. Have a short telehealth consultation

One of our Australian‑registered doctors will usually call you within an hour (between 6am and midnight AEDT, seven days a week).

On the call, they may:

• Ask more questions about your symptoms and history
• Clarify previous investigations or treatments
• Confirm the most appropriate type of specialist
• Assess whether a telehealth‑based referral is clinically safe and appropriate for you

If they’re concerned that you need in‑person assessment or urgent care instead of a simple referral, they’ll explain why and advise next steps.

3. Receive your referral letter

If a referral is appropriate, the doctor will:

• Prepare a specialist referral letter that meets Australian Medicare standards
• Ensure it includes your details, the reason for referral, relevant history and their provider details
• Send it securely to you via email and/or make it available in your patient portal

Your referral will usually be:

• Valid for 12 months (unless discussed otherwise)
• Usable at any specialist in that field (unless you request a named specialist specifically)
• Accepted just like a referral from a traditional bricks‑and‑mortar GP

From there, you can book with the specialist of your choice – private or public clinic, depending on your situation and your GP/specialist’s advice.

Making the most of your specialist appointment once you have the referral

Fast‑tracking the referral is only half the story. To really get value from your specialist visit (which might cost a few hundred dollars out of pocket), a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Here are practical steps that apply whether your referral came from your regular GP, a local clinic, or an online doctor referral like ours.

1. Ask about fees up front

Before you lock in your appointment:

• Ask the specialist reception staff:
  • “What will the total fee be for my first visit?”
  • “How much will Medicare rebate?”
  • “Roughly what will my out‑of‑pocket cost be?”
• Look up typical fees for that specialty and procedure using the Medical Costs Finder tool from the Department of Health.

Being upfront about money isn’t rude; it’s smart. Government data show millions of Australians delay or forgo specialist care due to costs – but you have a right to informed financial consent.

2. Bring the right information

Have these ready for your appointment:

• Your referral letter (printed or emailed ahead, depending on practice policy)
• A list of current medications and doses
• Summaries of recent tests or scans (or at least where they were done, so results can be requested)
• A brief timeline of symptoms and previous treatments

If you forget details easily, jot them down or keep notes on your phone.

3. Prepare your key questions

Specialist appointments can feel rushed when you’re nervous. It helps to arrive with 3–5 questions written down, such as:

• What do you think is most likely causing my symptoms?
• What are the treatment options and likely benefits/risks?
• Are there any lifestyle changes that would help (diet, exercise, sleep, sexual practices, skin care, etc.)?
• Do I need any further tests?
• How soon should I follow up?

If your issue touches on intimate topics – for example, sexual function, genital skin, STI concerns, or relationship‑related health – remember that specialists see this every day. Be as honest as you can; it only helps your care.

4. Know your follow‑up plan

Before you leave, make sure you understand:

• Whether you’ll need another referral (and when)
• Which doctor will handle repeat scripts – your GP, the specialist, or telehealth services like our [online prescription service](https://nextclinic.com.au/prescriptions-online)
• What warning signs mean you should seek urgent care or earlier review

This clarity avoids frantic last‑minute scrambles for new referrals, scripts or appointments.

Other smart ways to reduce referral and specialist delays

Here are some extra strategies you can use alongside telehealth and online referral services:

1. Check if telehealth can replace some in‑person follow‑ups

Many specialists now offer telehealth for suitable review appointments. Ask if that’s an option for you.

1. Use one GP (or service) consistently when you can

Continuity helps – a doctor who knows your story is quicker to recognise when a referral or re‑referral is needed. If you’re often travelling or FIFO, telehealth services that keep a central record (like NextClinic) can help bridge gaps.

1. Don’t wait until the week your referral expires

Set a reminder in your phone a month or two before important specialist follow‑ups. Renewing or updating your referral early can save a last‑minute scramble.

1. If you live in rural or remote Australia, lean on telehealth hard

Our blog post “Telehealth and Rural Australia: Closing the Gap” dives into how telehealth makes it easier for regional Aussies to get medical certificates, scripts and specialist referrals without hours of travel.

1. Get on the right waitlists early

If you’re using the public system for cost reasons, ask your GP (or telehealth doctor) to refer you early, even while you’re still trialling treatments. Long public waitlists mean it’s often worth getting your name down sooner rather than later.

A quick but important disclaimer

This post is general information only. It can’t replace personalised medical advice from your own doctor or specialist. Your situation might be quite different from the examples here.

If you’re unsure whether an online specialist referral is appropriate for you, or you’re experiencing anything that feels like an emergency, please seek in‑person care or call 000.

Putting it all together – and your next step this week

Let’s recap the key points:

• Referrals are the gatekeeper to Medicare‑funded specialist care in Australia. Knowing how they work (length, flexibility, open vs named) helps you avoid unnecessary delays.
• Many Australians wait longer than feels acceptable for specialists, and cost pressures are pushing some to delay care altogether – especially in high‑demand areas like dermatology.
• You can often fast‑track the referral step by:
  • requesting referrals early
  • asking for open or indefinite referrals when suitable
  • using telehealth and specialist referral online services rather than waiting weeks for a GP slot
• Dermatologist referral and ENT referral are prime examples where an online doctor referral can save you time – particularly for chronic or clearly defined problems.
• Once you have your referral, preparing well for the specialist visit (questions, documents, fee checks) ensures you get the most out of every appointment.

Now, here’s our challenge to you:

Pick one concrete action this week to improve your specialist journey. For example:

• Check whether any of your current referrals are close to expiring – and renew them early (online or with your GP).
• Use the Medical Costs Finder to look up typical fees for a specialist you’ve been putting off seeing.
• Book a telehealth Australia consultation – with us or your usual provider – to discuss whether a specialist referral is appropriate for a problem you’ve been worrying about.
• If you live rurally, explore how telehealth could save you your next long drive.

Once you’ve chosen your step, we’d love to hear from you:

Which strategy are you going to try, and what happened? Share your experience in the comments – your story might be exactly what another Aussie needs to finally move forward with their own care.

References

• Patient Experiences, 2023-24 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Patient Experiences, 2024-25 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Australians suffering 'irreversible complications' waiting years to see medical specialists - ABC News
• Access to health services | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• More Australians can't afford specialist fees. Experts say it's 'not in the spirit of Medicare'
• What is a referral? | healthdirect
• Refer or request Medicare services - Health professionals - Services Australia
• Digital health - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Rural and remote health - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• NextClinic: Online Medical Certificates, Instant Scripts and Telehealth Consults
• Specialist Referral Letters in Minutes | NextClinic
• Medical Costs Finder | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Struggling to afford specialist doctors' fees? See if your GP can refer you to one of Australia's free public hospital clinics
• Government considers legislated cap on specialist fees, despite constitutional guardrails
• Referred medical specialist attendances - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

FAQs