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Medicare Bulk Billing for all eligible patients· Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm· Muswellbrook Fair, Tenancy 16–17, Rutherford Road· (02) 6530 7404
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All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.

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Specialist referrals.A handover, not a note.

A good referral tells the specialist what has already been tried, what has been ruled out, and what the question actually is. That saves you repeating yourself and often saves an appointment.

Book a referral appointment → (02) 6530 7404 All services
What to know
Book the right lengthTell reception what it is about so enough time is set aside.
No referral neededThis is general practice care — you can book directly with us.
Ask for who you preferMale and female GPs are available. Say who you would like when you book.
One practiceYour history in one place, so nothing has to be explained twice
Longer if you need itAsk reception for a long appointment when there is more than one thing
Bulk billedStandard consultations, for everyone with a valid Medicare card
Medicare Bulk Billing PracticeStandard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.
What it coversIn plain languageHow it works hereStep by stepQuestionsThe things people askBookMake an appointmentRelatedOther services

Getting you tothe right person.

Specialists in the Hunter are mostly in Newcastle, Maitland and Tamworth, with visiting clinics closer to home for some specialties. Public referrals cost nothing but wait longer; private referrals cost more but are usually faster. Which is right depends on how urgent your problem is, what you can afford, and how far you can travel.

Ask about the wait before you accept itIt is reasonable to ask reception at the specialist's rooms how long the wait is, and to come back to us if it is longer than your problem can bear. Sometimes another name is available sooner.
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How long does a referral last?

A GP referral to a specialist usually lasts 12 months from your first appointment. Referrals for ongoing chronic conditions can be written as indefinite where that is appropriate.

Can I choose the specialist?

Yes. If you have a preference, say so. Otherwise we will suggest someone based on the problem, the wait and the location.

Do I need a referral for a Medicare rebate?

Yes. Seeing a specialist without a valid referral means no Medicare rebate at all.

Public

No cost to you

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PublicNo cost to you

Public outpatient clinics through the Hunter New England network.

Public

Longer waits

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PublicLonger waits

Often months. Urgent cases are triaged and seen faster.

Private

Usually faster

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PrivateUsually faster

Weeks rather than months for many specialties.

Private

Out of pocket

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PrivateOut of pocket

There is a gap. Ask for the cost when you book — you are entitled to know.

Whichever you choose

Travel is real

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Whichever you chooseTravel is real

Newcastle is roughly two hours. Factor it in, especially for repeat visits.

Whichever you choose

We stay involved

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Whichever you chooseWe stay involved

The specialist's letter comes back to us, so your GP record stays complete.

Where you go depends on more than the diagnosis.Waiting time, travel and cost all count.

Booked, written,and followed up.

A referral needs an appointment because it needs a proper letter.

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Can I get a referral without being seen?

Generally not. The referral has to reflect a current assessment, and a thin referral gets a thin appointment at the other end.

What if my referral has expired?

Book a short appointment. Renewing a referral is quick, but it does need to be done before your specialist visit.

Will you chase it up?

We receive the specialist's letter and it goes into your record. Booking a follow-up with us afterwards is how the plan actually gets carried out.

1Book an appointmentSay it is for a referral so the right length is set aside.Book ahead
2Bring the historyResults, scans, letters and any specialist you would prefer.On the day
3The referral is writtenWith the question, what has been tried, and what has been ruled out.Same day
4Follow up with usOnce you have seen the specialist, book a review so the plan is carried through.Afterwards

Specialist referrals

Public & private options

Newcastle, Maitland & Tamworth

Referral appointment bulk billed

12 months standard

Indefinite where appropriate

Results sent back to us

Continuity of care

Specialist referrals

Public & private options

Newcastle, Maitland & Tamworth

Referral appointment bulk billed

12 months standard

Indefinite where appropriate

Results sent back to us

Continuity of care

Specialist referrals

Public & private options

Newcastle, Maitland & Tamworth

Referral appointment bulk billed

12 months standard

Indefinite where appropriate

Results sent back to us

Continuity of care

Referralsquestions, answered.

How long is a referral valid?

Usually 12 months from your first specialist appointment. Some chronic conditions can have indefinite referrals.

Is the referral appointment bulk billed?

Yes, as a standard consultation with a valid Medicare card.

Can I use a referral from another GP?

Yes, if it is still valid. Bring a copy.

Public or private — which is faster?

Private is usually faster but has a gap fee. We will talk through both.

Where are most specialists?

Newcastle, Maitland and Tamworth, with some visiting clinics closer to home.

Can I get a referral for physiotherapy?

Allied health does not need a referral, but a chronic condition care plan can give you subsidised sessions.

What if I need to see the specialist urgently?

Say so. Urgent referrals are marked as such and we can ring the rooms directly.

Do I get a copy?

Yes, or it can be sent electronically to the specialist. Either way you should know who you are being sent to and why.

General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.

Relatedservices.

All servicesThe full list of 38 services offered hereResults and follow-upClosing the loop after tests and referralsChronic disease managementCare plans and team carePatient info & feesBulk billing, appointments and practice policies
No surprises

Know the costbefore you come in.

Bulk billed with a valid Medicare card · Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm · Muswellbrook Fair, Rutherford Road.

Book online → Call (02) 6530 7404

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