Female Partner Doctor with a stethoscope in her consulting room, ready for family physician referrals

Looking for a Family Physician Referral?

Get your Family Physician referral letter sent straight to your phone if suitable
Connect with a Registered Australian Doctor
Partner Doctors are online 24/7
No appointments needed
updoc

100% online - hassle-free, stress-free

Used by 500,000+ Australians

AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctors

Top rated health platform

Also available directly from Updoc

Family Physician Referral Letters Made Easy

No one needs to spend half a day planning a doctor's visit, getting to and from the appointment, sitting around in waiting rooms, just to get a Family Physician Referral Letter.

Simply request a consultation online in minutes. Your Partner Doctor will then review your request and give you a call.

If suitable, you'll get your Family Physician Referral Letter delivered straight to your phone.

Smiling woman in her kitchen on a phone call with a family physician
Referrals, explained

Everything you'd ask a doctor, answered in a minute.

Three short answers. Step through them.

Can I see a specialist without a referral letter?

While few specialists may see you without one, a referral letter is generally required by specialists and Medicare may not cover any of your costs if you attend without a referral.

Medicare may not rebate your visitGoing without a referral usually means paying the full fee
Most referrals last 12 monthsAsk about a longer referral if you need ongoing care
You can name your own specialistTell your Partner Doctor who you would like to see
Smiling male Partner Doctor with a stethoscope in his consulting room, ready to discuss a family physician referral
Connect with a Partner Doctor for your care

How requesting a referral through Updoc works

Save the travel time and waiting. Consult online when it's convenient for you.

Online requests take you about 3 minutesTell us the referral type, your symptoms and any preferred specialist
A Partner Doctor reviews your requestThey take the time to review your request and if suitable issue a referral
Your referral is deliveredStraight to your phone by SMS and email, if suitable
Older man at his kitchen bench checking his phone before a call with a family physician
Consults from home, 24/7

What is a specialist referral letter?

A letter from a doctor to a specialist health practitioner or service, asking for expert help with a diagnosis or treatment.

Imaging servicesRadiology, X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI
Pathology and blood testsCollected at your local pathology centre
Eye or hearing testsOptometry and audiology
Specialised health professionalsDermatologist, cardiologist, dietitians and more
Female Partner Doctor at her desk with a laptop, reviewing a family physician referral
Your referral, written during the consult
Referrals, explained

Everything you'd ask a doctor, answered in a minute.

Choose a topic. No long scroll, no wall of text.

Swipe through three short answers.

Smiling male Partner Doctor with a stethoscope in his consulting room, ready to discuss a family physician referral

Can I see a specialist without a referral letter?

While few specialists may see you without one, a referral letter is generally required by specialists and Medicare may not cover any of your costs if you attend without a referral.

Medicare may not rebate your visitGoing without a referral usually means paying the full fee
Most referrals last 12 monthsAsk about a longer referral if you need ongoing care
You can name your own specialistTell your Partner Doctor who you would like to see
Older man at his kitchen bench checking his phone before a call with a family physician

How requesting a referral through Updoc works

Save the travel time and waiting. Consult online when it's convenient for you.

Online requests take you about 3 minutesTell us the referral type, your symptoms and any preferred specialist
A Partner Doctor reviews your requestThey take the time to review your request and if suitable issue a referral
Your referral is deliveredStraight to your phone by SMS and email, if suitable
Female Partner Doctor at her desk with a laptop, reviewing a family physician referral

What is a specialist referral letter?

A letter from a doctor to a specialist health practitioner or service, asking for expert help with a diagnosis or treatment.

Imaging servicesRadiology, X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI
Pathology and blood testsCollected at your local pathology centre
Eye or hearing testsOptometry and audiology
Specialised health professionalsDermatologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist, dietitians and more
Request a Consultfrom $49.95 · reviewed in ~60 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a specialist referral online?

Yes! With Updoc, you can get a specialist referral online. If approved and suitable, your online referral will be delivered straight to your phone. Once you have your online specialist referral, you can make an appointment to visit your preferred specialist.

What if I miss the call from my Partner Doctor?

If you miss a call from your Partner Doctor, you'll return to the virtual waiting room and your Partner Doctor may try to call you again. You may also get a text message before the call so you're ready to answer.

When will I receive my call from my Partner Doctor?

Many requests are reviewed within an hour, but wait times vary with demand. Not every consultation requires a call - if your Partner Doctor needs to speak with you, they’ll call you. At busy times, this may be the following day.

When will I receive an outcome from my consultation?

Many requests are reviewed within an hour, but wait times vary with demand and aren't guaranteed. At busy times, your Partner Doctor may contact you the following day.

How long does a referral last?

A referral from a GP to a specialist is generally valid for 12 months for Medicare purposes, unless the doctor specifies a different period. If you need longer-term care, you can discuss an extended or indefinite referral with your Partner Doctor, who will decide whether it's appropriate. A new health issue will usually need a new referral. Through Updoc, you can request a consultation for an online referral to a specialist, and a Partner Doctor will decide whether one is suitable.

Do you need a referral to see a psychologist?

No, you can book a psychologist directly without a referral, but you won't get a Medicare rebate. To claim rebates under the Better Access initiative, you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from a GP, or a direct referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Since November 2025, GP plans and referrals generally need to come from your usual GP or the practice where you're registered for MyMedicare. You may be eligible for rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions a year.

Looking for a Family Physician Referral?

Get your Family Physician referral letter sent straight to your phone if suitable

Connect with a Registered Australian Doctor

Partner Doctors are online 24/7

No appointments needed

Request a Consult Now
 

100% online - hassle-free, stress-free

Used by 500,000+ Australians

AHPRA-Registered Partner Doctors

Top rated health platform

Also available directly from Updoc

Family Physician Referral Letters Made Easy

No one needs to spend half a day planning a doctor's visit, getting to and from the appointment, sitting around in waiting rooms, just to get a Family Physician Referral Letter.

Simply request a consultation online in minutes. Your Partner Doctor will then review your request and give you a call.

If suitable, you'll get your Family Physician Referral Letter delivered straight to your phone.

Request A Consult Now
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1

Submit your Referral Request

Complete a quick medical questionnaire in a few minutes. This is your chance to share with your Partner Practitioner your questions and concerns, or request for what you need.

How Specialist Referrals Work

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2

Your Partner Practitioner will be in touch

Respond to your Partner Practitioner’s message or hop on a call with them. This will give your Partner Practitioner a strong idea of what you need.

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3

Get your personalized healthcare solution

You’re all set! Your Partner Practitioner will now issue you their professional advice, a medical certificate, a prescription, or a referral letter. It’s that easy!

Life is better when you’re healthy

Spend a few minutes getting the friendly, personalised healthcare access you deserve today.

Consult Now
Older man and woman chatting in their kitchen at home, where Updoc connects Australians with an online doctor