Government Consultation on Modernising Referral Pathways

The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is seeking feedback on a Consultation Paper on Modernising Referral Pathways.

The paper describes the current Medicare referral processes, highlights potential issues, and makes suggestions for reform to better support patient access to specialist care.

Key elements examined include:

• Patient understanding of referral arrangements
• Referral validity periods
• Appropriate billing of initial and subsequent appointments with non-GP specialists
• Seeking second opinions under a referral

As part of the feedback process, the Department has now opened a brief questionnaire. It seeks to understand the views of patients, medical providers and other interested parties on whether current Medicare referral arrangements are effectively supporting access to specialist care, as well as suggestions for reform.

Visit the Department website for more information, including access to the survey.

In addition, written comments can be submitted to the Department via email.

The survey and opportunity for written comments both close on 6 March 2026.