The short answer
In most cases, yes. You need a valid referral, usually from your GP, to get a Medicare rebate for a cardiologist appointment. You can see a cardiologist privately without one, but any Medicare benefit is lower and you'll pay more. If you have chest pain that is severe, getting worse or has lasted longer than 10 minutes, don't wait for a referral. Call 000.
On this page
Do I need a referral to see a cardiologist?
In most cases, yes. A valid referral, usually from your GP or another specialist, is what lets you claim a Medicare rebate for a cardiology appointment [1]. You can book a private cardiologist without one, but you lose the referred rate. The cardiologist can only bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2][3].
A cardiologist diagnoses, treats and helps prevent conditions of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and heart failure [1]. Your GP may refer you if you have [1]:
- chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness
- an abnormal result on a test such as an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- had a heart attack, stroke or hospital stay for a heart problem
- a higher chance of heart disease, for example with diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure or a strong family history
- heart symptoms or existing heart disease during pregnancy
When not to wait for a referral
Chest pain can be a heart attack. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if your chest pain is severe, getting worse or has lasted longer than 10 minutes, feels heavy, crushing or tight, or comes with breathlessness, nausea, dizziness or a cold sweat [4]. Other warning signs include pain in your arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw [5]. Don't book a GP or telehealth appointment for these symptoms.
Who can write a cardiologist referral, and what goes in it?
GPs are the main source of referrals, and specialists can refer you to a cardiologist too, ideally keeping your GP informed. Nurse practitioners can also refer to specialists [2]. A referral needs the reason for referring you, the date and the referring practitioner's signature, plus relevant clinical information [2]. It must be in writing and the cardiologist needs to have it by your first appointment [3]. See our guide to what a referral letter includes.
It's a good idea to bring a list of your medicines and any recent test results [1]. Your cardiologist may recommend tests such as an ECG, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), a stress test, blood pressure monitoring, blood tests or a chest x-ray [1].
Does the referral need to name a cardiologist?
No. For appointments in private rooms, naming a specialist is up to your GP, and you can ask to see a particular cardiologist because of their location, fees or area of focus [1][2]. If a cardiologist is named, you can still see a different one, as long as you haven't started seeing the named cardiologist [2][6]. If you choose to be a private patient in a public hospital outpatient clinic, the referral has to name the specialist [2].
Some cardiologists focus on particular areas, such as procedures like stents (interventional cardiologists), heart rhythm problems (electrophysiologists) or heart failure [1]. Your GP can help you choose based on your symptoms [1].
How long does a cardiologist referral last?
| Who wrote it | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Your GP | 12 months, unless the GP writes a shorter or longer period, or makes it indefinite for ongoing care [2] |
| Another specialist | 3 months, unless you're an admitted hospital patient [2] |
The period starts at your first appointment with the cardiologist, not the date the referral was written [2]. An indefinite referral covers continuing care for the same condition. A new or unrelated heart problem needs a new referral [2]. If you lose a referral, it only covers the first appointment, so get a copy before you go back [2][6]. More in how long a referral lasts.
How much does it cost to see a cardiologist?
Cardiologists train through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians [1]. Under the Medicare Benefits Schedule, a first referred consultation with a consultant physician in their rooms is item 110. As at the 1 July 2026 fee update (checked November 2026), its schedule fee is $183.35 and the Medicare benefit is $155.85 [7]. Which item your cardiologist bills depends on their recognition and the type of appointment.
Cardiologists set their own fees. Some bulk bill, while others charge more than the Medicare rebate, leaving you a gap fee. Tests such as ECGs, echocardiograms and stress tests can add to the cost [1]. Other points:
- If you're treated as a public patient in a public hospital, specialist care is generally covered by Medicare [1].
- Health insurers can't contribute to out-of-hospital treatment for Medicare services, so private health insurance won't help with consultations in a cardiologist's rooms [8].
- Before booking, ask for an estimate of consultation fees, test costs and your expected out-of-pocket costs [1].
Can I get a cardiologist referral through telehealth?
Yes, if your GP decides it's clinically appropriate. Medicare rules require the GP to have attended you, considered whether you need a referral, and put it in writing, signed and dated [3]. They don't require a face-to-face visit, and electronic referrals are allowed [2]. See can you get a referral online.
Whether your telehealth GP consult itself attracts a Medicare rebate depends on separate rules, such as having had a face-to-face service at that practice in the last 12 months or being registered there through MyMedicare [10].
Cardiology appointments can sometimes be by telehealth too. Medicare has ongoing video and phone items for specialist and consultant physician consultations. Video is preferred, and a first consultant physician consultation has a video item but no phone item [9]. These items have the same requirements as the matching in-person items, so you still need a referral [9][10]. Ask the cardiologist's rooms whether a telehealth appointment suits your situation.
Getting a referral
Referral GP offers telehealth consultations by phone or video with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. If your GP thinks a cardiologist is the right next step, they can write a referral.
A consultation doesn't guarantee a referral. Your GP decides what's clinically appropriate.
Bulk billed for eligible patients. If you're not eligible, a consultation fee may apply, and we'll confirm it with you before your consult.
We're not an emergency service. For chest pain or other heart attack warning signs, call 000.
Start a specialist referral consult
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Common questions
Can I see a cardiologist without a referral?
Yes, privately. Without a valid referral, the cardiologist has to bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2].
How long does a cardiologist referral last?
A GP referral lasts 12 months from your first appointment with the cardiologist, unless your GP writes a different period. For an ongoing heart condition, a GP can make it indefinite. A referral from another specialist lasts 3 months [2].
Can I choose which cardiologist I see?
Does private health insurance cover a cardiologist appointment?
Not for appointments outside hospital. Health insurers can't contribute to out-of-hospital treatment for Medicare services [8]. If you're admitted to hospital, check with your insurer about what your policy covers.
Should I book a telehealth appointment for chest pain?
No. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if your chest pain is severe, getting worse or has lasted longer than 10 minutes, or comes with breathlessness, nausea, dizziness or a cold sweat [4].
References
- healthdirect. The role of a cardiologist. Last reviewed July 2026. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/healthcare-and-services/roles-and-specialties/the-
- MBS Online. Factsheet: Referrals for specialist services. Last updated August 2026. Accessed November 2026. mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/650f3eec0dfb990fca2
- MBS Online. Explanatory note GN.6.16: Referral of patients to specialists or consultant physicians. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=GN.6.16&qt=noteID
- healthdirect. Chest pain. Last reviewed September 2025. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/symptoms/aches-and-pains/chest-pain
- Heart Foundation. Heart attack warning signs. Accessed November 2026. heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-attack-warning-signs
- Services Australia. Referrals for specialist treatment. Last updated 15 August 2025. Accessed November 2026. servicesaustralia.gov.au/referrals-for-specialist-treatment
- MBS Online. Item 110: Consultant physician, referred, initial attendance. Schedule fee updated 1 July 2026. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=110&qt=item
- Australian Government Department of Health. Medical Costs Finder: A guide to out-of-pocket medical costs. Accessed November 2026. medicalcostsfinder.health.gov.au/resources/a-guide-to-out-of-pocket-me
- MBS Online. Explanatory note AN.40.1: Specialist and consultant physician MBS telehealth (video and phone) attendance items. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=AN.40.1&qt=noteID
- Services Australia. Who can claim telehealth services. Last updated 1 November 2025. Accessed November 2026. servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/services/m
Published by Referral GP. Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice about your own situation. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.