Can i refer myself to a specialist

Referrals for specialist care. A specialist will only see you with a letter of referral from your GP. Find out if you need a referral for private treatment When doctors write to each other about your care, they should aim to give you a copy of their letters or emails. If you do not get a copy, you can ask for one. Choosing a hospital or consultant If you're referred to a specialist by your GP or another health professional, such as a dentist or ophthalmologist, you may have the right to choose which hospital in England to go to for your first outpatient appointment.

Find out more about consultant choice Once you have decided on a hospital, you could book your first outpatient appointment through the NHS e-Referral Service. This can happen in the following ways: your GP can book it while you're at the surgery you can book it online using the appointment request letter your GP gives you you can phone the NHS e-Referral Service line on open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and on weekends and bank holidays from 8am to 4pm Find out more about patient choice of hospitals Under the NHS Constitution , if your GP refers you for a condition that's not urgent, you have the right to start treatment led by a consultant within 18 weeks from when you're referred, unless you want to wait longer or waiting longer is clinically right for you.

Find out more about waiting times Other services you may access through your GP As well as specialist referrals, your GP can help you find the right stop smoking services, weight loss service or other self-management programmes that help prevent or manage a condition. Find services in your area.

The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. Admitted rehabilitation aims to provide care to maximise independence and quality of life for people with a disabling condition. Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important to you about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want. Disability aids and equipment such as wheelchairs, walking frames and braces can help people with disabilities and the elderly gain more independence.

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Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional. Home Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional. Seeing a specialist. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Referrals for a specialist Types of specialists Accessing a specialist Finding and choosing the right specialist Specialist fees Preparing for your specialist visit During the specialist visit After your specialist visit Getting a second opinion Where to get help.

Referrals for a specialist Your GP may send you to see a specialist if they think specific expertise is necessary to diagnose or treat you.

You will need a referral letter from your GP to be eligible for Medicare rebates. Types of specialists Specialists are found in all fields of medicine. Accessing a specialist If your doctor thinks you should see a specialist, they will write you a referral letter, which needs to be presented to the specialist either before or at your first appointment. Finding and choosing the right specialist Your doctor will be able to help you find a specialist to address your health issue.

Specialist fees Fees can vary and depend on whether you access a specialist in a bulk-billing public hospital or at a private clinic or hospital. When considering costs, you may want to ask if the specialist: works within the public or private healthcare system bulk-bills via the Medical Benefits Scheme MBS requires gap payments has a payment plan accepts your private health cover.

Private health cover If you have private health cover, you can choose to be treated as a public or private patient. Gap payments Some specialists require a gap payment or co-payment. Payment plans Some specialists operate payment plans where the full fee can be paid off over a long period, with smaller part payments billed at regular intervals.

Insurance companies usually require a letter of referral from a doctor. If you have private medical or health insurance and you need specialist treatment, check your policy to find out:. If you make a claim for treatment under your private medical insurance, some sections of the claim form will probably need to be completed by a doctor.

You can find out whether self-referral for any community service not listed below is available in your area by:. Antenatal care. Counselling and talking therapies. Drug and alcohol addiction services. Stop smoking services. Sexual health services. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.