In Australia, the general practitioner is the entry point to almost all non-emergency care. Patients do not walk straight in to see a cardiologist as they might in India.
- To claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist visit, the patient needs a written referral.
- A GP referral to a specialist is usually valid for 12 months (or indefinitely if the GP states so, for chronic conditions). A specialist-to-specialist referral is valid for 3 months.
- A good referral letter includes the question you want answered, relevant history, medications, allergies and results.
GPs manage a very wide scope: chronic disease, mental health, antenatal shared care, minor procedures, skin checks and palliative care. Continuity with a regular GP or practice is encouraged (for example through MyMedicare voluntary registration).
In the AMC exam, "refer to a specialist" is rarely the full answer. Examiners want to see what the GP does first: history, examination, initial investigations, safety-netting and follow-up.