Do I need a referral for a dermatologist?

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?

You don't need a referral to book. A dermatologist can see you privately without one. But if you want Medicare to pay part of the cost, you need a valid referral, usually from your GP ^[1][2].

A referral is a written request asking a specialist to investigate, give an opinion on, or treat a health problem. GPs are the main source of referrals, and specialists can also refer to each other ^[2][3]. If you're worried about your skin, healthdirect's advice is to see your GP first. They may treat the problem themselves or refer you on if you need specialised care ^[1].

Dermatologists look after medical and cosmetic concerns with skin, hair and nails, including skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, acne, alopecia and skin infections ^[1]. If you're thinking about a cosmetic procedure, see our separate guide on referrals for cosmetic surgery.

What happens if I see a dermatologist without a referral?

You can still be seen, but you lose the referred specialist rebate. Without a valid referral, the dermatologist can only bill a different MBS item, so any Medicare benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket ^[2][3].

A few other things are worth knowing before you book:

• Dermatologists set their own fees. The Australasian College of Dermatologists suggests making sure you have a valid referral before you make the appointment ^[5].
• A specialist doesn't have to accept a referral, whether it names them or not ^[2].
• If a referral is lost, it can only be used for your first appointment. The specialist needs a copy for later visits to be claimed at the referred rate ^[2][4].

Should I get a skin check from a GP or a dermatologist?

For most people, a GP is the usual place to start. Cancer Council Australia, in a position statement endorsed by the Australasian College of Dermatologists, recommends seeing your doctor if you notice a new spot, or a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing one ^[7]. Healthdirect also lists crusty sores that don't heal and small red, pale or pearly lumps as reasons to get checked ^[8].

How often you need a check depends on your risk:

Your GP can do the skin check and manage many skin problems. If a spot looks suspicious, they may refer you to a dermatologist ^[8]. Cancer Council recommends that doctors who examine skin spots use dermoscopy, a handheld magnifier that shows features you can't see with the naked eye. It doesn't recommend using smartphone apps to check your own skin for cancer ^[7].

A full skin check is hands-on, so book it in person. A telehealth GP can talk through your history and concerns and refer you to a dermatologist where that's appropriate, but a video call isn't a substitute for a proper skin examination.

What should a dermatologist referral include?

For Medicare purposes, a referral must be in writing, signed and dated by the referring practitioner, and the dermatologist needs to have it by your first appointment ^[3]. It should give the reason for the referral and relevant clinical information about your skin problem. Paper and electronic referrals are both allowed ^[2]. Our guide to referral letters explains what's usually in one.

The referral doesn't need to name a particular dermatologist. For appointments in private rooms, naming a specialist is up to your GP. If one is named, you can still see a different dermatologist, as long as you haven't already started seeing the named one ^[2][4]. The exception is if you choose to be treated as a private patient in a public hospital outpatient clinic. That needs a referral addressed to a named specialist ^[2].

How long does a dermatologist referral last?

The clock starts at your first appointment with the dermatologist, not the date the referral was written ^[2]. A referral covers one course of treatment for a condition, so a new and unrelated skin problem may need a new referral ^[2]. There's more detail in how long a referral lasts.

How much does a dermatologist cost, and what does Medicare cover?

With a valid referral, Medicare pays a benefit set by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). As at the 1 July 2026 fee update (checked November 2026), the first referred specialist consultation in your dermatologist's rooms is item 104, with a schedule fee of $103.95 and a Medicare benefit of $88.40 ^[6]. Later appointments for the same condition are claimed under follow-up items ^[2].

What you actually pay depends on the dermatologist. They set their own fees, and the difference between the fee and the Medicare benefit is your out-of-pocket cost ^[5]. If you might need a procedure such as a biopsy, ask what that costs too. Some general points:

• Private health insurance doesn't cover consultations or procedures done in a dermatologist's private rooms. It may cover some treatment in hospital, depending on your policy ^[5].
• If you see a dermatologist in a public hospital or public health service, you generally won't have to pay ^[5].
• Ask about fees and how much you'll get back from Medicare when you book ^[1].

Can I get a dermatologist referral through telehealth?

Yes, where the GP decides it's clinically appropriate. The MBS rules say the GP must have attended you and considered whether you need a referral, and the referral must be written, signed and dated ^[3]. They don't say the appointment has to be face to face, and electronic referrals are allowed ^[2]. See can you get a referral online for more.

Some dermatology appointments can happen by telehealth too. Medicare has ongoing telehealth items for specialist consultations. Video is preferred, and a first specialist consultation has a video item but no phone item ^[9]. Telehealth items have the same clinical requirements as the matching in-person items, so a referral is still needed for the rebate ^[9][10].

Getting a referral

Referral GP offers telehealth consultations by phone or video with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. If your GP thinks a dermatologist 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.

Start a specialist referral consult

This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.