A referral is a specific request to a specialist for investigation, opinion, treatment and/or management of a condition or problem of a patient, or the performance of one or more specific examinations or tests. Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), medical practitioners can refer patients to specialists where their specific skills and expertise are required to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

Further information can be found in the Factsheet and Quick Reference Guide below:

Factsheet	PDF and Word versions
Factsheet - referrals for specialist services (Last updated:4 August 2026)	Word Version - Factsheet - Referrals for specialist services.DOCXPDF version - Factsheet - Referrals for specialist services - July 2026.pdf
Quick Reference Guide - referrals for specialist services (Last updated: 4 August 2026)	Word Version - QRG for Patients - Referrals for specialist services.DOCXPDF version - QRG for Patients - Referrals for specialist services.pdf