Gastroenterology Referral Online
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Yes, you need a GP referral to claim Medicare rebates for gastroenterologist consultations and procedures like colonoscopies in Australia. Without a valid referral, you'll pay full specialist fees with no Medicare rebate. Doccy's online doctors can issue gastroenterology referrals same-day.

A colonoscopy is performed by a specialist, so you need a referral to claim the Medicare rebate. Public hospitals also require one before you can join their waiting list. Some private endoscopy clinics let you book directly, but they'll still ask for a referral.

The $32 Doccy fee covers the consultation and referral only. The procedure itself is billed separately by the gastroenterologist, the anaesthetist and the hospital or day clinic, so we can't quote you a price. As a public patient in a public hospital there's no charge, though there's usually a waiting list. Private fees vary by provider and depend on your health insurance. The Government's Medical Costs Finder publishes typical out-of-pocket costs.

First a doctor assesses whether a colonoscopy is appropriate and writes the referral. Then you book with a gastroenterologist or endoscopy clinic, either one named in the referral or any clinic you choose if it's an open referral. The specialist reviews you, schedules the procedure and sends you the bowel preparation instructions. Doccy covers the first step.

A standard gastroenterology referral is valid for 12 months, counted from your first appointment with the specialist rather than the date it was written. This covers multiple appointments including the initial consultation, procedures like colonoscopy, and follow-up visits. If you need ongoing care beyond 12 months, you'll need a new referral from a doctor.

Yes. If you have symptoms that need investigation, a positive bowel screening test, or a family history or previous polyps that put you at higher risk, a Doccy doctor can write a referral to a gastroenterologist for colonoscopy. The doctor assesses whether a colonoscopy is the appropriate next step for you.

Common symptoms that benefit from specialist gastroenterology care include persistent heartburn or reflux, unexplained abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and chronic nausea or vomiting. Our doctors can help determine if a referral is appropriate for your symptoms.

With Doccy, most gastroenterology referrals are issued same-day, typically within hours of completing your telehealth consultation. After our AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your case, your referral is emailed directly to you so you can book with your chosen gastroenterologist immediately.

Yes, a valid referral to a gastroenterologist covers all consultations and procedures performed by that specialist for the condition described. This includes gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and other investigations. Medicare rebates apply to these procedures when performed with a valid referral.

For most people, bowel cancer screening starts with the free home test from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, available every two years from age 45 to 74. A colonoscopy is usually recommended if that test is positive, if you have symptoms, or if a family history or previous polyps put you at higher risk. If any of those apply, the doctor can write a referral and note your risk factors so the gastroenterologist can prioritise you.

Provide details about your digestive symptoms, how long you've experienced them, any medications you've tried, relevant medical history, and any previous investigations or test results. If you have a preferred gastroenterologist, let us know so we can address the referral appropriately.