Referrals for specialist services

This factsheet and quick reference guide provide general information on the rules and requirements of referrals for specialist services under the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Page last updated: 04 August 2026

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:

FactsheetPDF and Word versions
Factsheet - referrals for specialist services
(Last updated:4 August 2026)
Quick Reference Guide - referrals for specialist services

(Last updated: 4 August 2026)

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