What is a medical specialist?

A medical specialist is a doctor who is an expert in a specific area of medicine.

They have completed advanced education and training in that area of medicine.

Medical specialists work in:

• clinics
• public hospitals
• private hospitals.

Examples include:

• anaesthetist
• cardiologist
• general practitioner
• gynaecologist 
• obstetrician
• oncologist
• ophthalmologist
• neurologist
• radiologist
• paediatrician
• psychiatrist
• surgeon
• urologist.

You cannot see a medical specialist unless you have a letter of referral from your general practitioner (GP), who is a specialist in general practice.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist if they think specific expertise is necessary to diagnose and treat you.

Your specialist then reports back to your GP.

Your GP may operate as your main contact and coordinate your healthcare with input from medical specialists and other healthcare professionals.

How much does it cost to see a medical specialist?

The amount a medical specialist will charge you depends on the situation:

• if you see a medical specialist in a public hospital as a public patient, you will not be charged.
• if you are a private patient but your medical specialist bulk bills under Medicare, you will not be charged.
• if you are a private patient and your medical specialist charges more than the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee, you will be charged the gap between 85% of the MBS fee and the amount your medical specialist charges you. 
• If you do not have a referral letter from your GP, you cannot receive a Medicare Benefit.