The short answer
Yes, if you want a Medicare rebate. You need a referral, usually from your GP, to claim Medicare for an endocrinologist appointment. You can see one privately without a referral, but any Medicare benefit is lower and you'll pay more. A GP referral lasts 12 months from your first appointment, and if you need ongoing care for a long-term condition, your GP can make it indefinite.
On this page
Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist?
Yes, if you want Medicare to help with the cost. Healthdirect's advice is that you'll need a referral from your doctor to see an endocrinologist [1]. You can still book privately without one, but the endocrinologist then has to bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2][3].
Your GP can diagnose and treat some hormone conditions themselves, and will refer you when they need a specialist's help. The referral also passes on useful information, and the endocrinologist updates your GP after your visit [1].
What does an endocrinologist treat?
Endocrinologists are specialist doctors who treat conditions caused by problems with hormones and the glands that make them, such as the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands and pancreas [1]. Common reasons for a referral include [1]:
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- thyroid problems
- osteoporosis (see our guide to DEXA scan referrals)
- menopause
- cancers of the endocrine glands
- infertility
Paediatric endocrinologists look after children, where hormones affect puberty, growth, bone development and type 1 diabetes [1].
What to sort out before your appointment
Ask your GP and the endocrinologist's rooms whether you need any blood tests beforehand, or need to bring x-rays [1]. Take a list of your medicines, vitamins and supplements, and write down your symptoms and any family history of hormone conditions [1]. Some endocrinologists have long waiting lists, so it helps to have your referral and results ready [1].
Who can write an endocrinologist referral?
GPs are the main source of referrals. Specialists can refer to each other, ideally with your GP kept informed, and nurse practitioners can also refer to specialists [2].
A valid referral includes the reason for referring you, the date and the referring practitioner's signature, along with relevant clinical information about your condition [2]. It must be in writing, and the endocrinologist needs it by your first appointment [3].
Does it need to name an endocrinologist?
No. For appointments in private rooms, naming a specialist is up to your GP. If one is named, you can still see a different endocrinologist, as long as you haven't started seeing the named one [2][4]. The exception is if you choose to be a private patient in a public hospital outpatient clinic, where the referral must be addressed to a named specialist [2].
How long does an endocrinologist 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 endocrinologist, not the date the referral was written [2].
Many hormone conditions are long term, which is where an indefinite referral helps. If you need ongoing specialist care, your GP can refer you for longer than 12 months or indefinitely. The referral should say "indefinite" or similar wording such as "ongoing", and it covers continuing care for the condition it was written for. If a new or unrelated condition comes up, you'll need a new referral [2]. Read more in how long a referral lasts.
How much does an endocrinologist cost?
The cost depends on the type of care you need, whether you're treated in hospital, your insurance and how much the endocrinologist charges. When you book, ask what the visit will cost and how much you'll get back from Medicare [1].
With a valid referral, Medicare pays a benefit set by the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Depending on how your endocrinologist is recognised and the type of appointment, a first referred consultation in their rooms is claimed under either a consultant physician item or a specialist item. As at the 1 July 2026 fee update (checked November 2026):
| MBS item | What it is | Schedule fee | Medicare benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110 | First referred consultation with a consultant physician | $183.35 | $155.85 [5] |
| 104 | First referred consultation with a specialist | $103.95 | $88.40 [6] |
If the fee is higher than the Medicare benefit, you pay the difference. Private health insurance won't cover it, because health insurers can't contribute to out-of-hospital treatment for Medicare services [7].
Can I get an endocrinologist 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 [9].
Some endocrinology appointments can happen by telehealth. Medicare has ongoing video and phone items for specialist and consultant physician consultations. Video is preferred, and a first consultation has a video item but no phone item [8]. These items have the same requirements as the matching in-person items, so you'll still need a referral [8][9].
Getting a referral
Referral GP offers telehealth consultations by phone or video with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. If your GP thinks an endocrinologist is the right next step, they can write a referral, and they can request blood tests where appropriate.
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.
Start a specialist referral consult
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Common questions
Can I see an endocrinologist without a referral?
Yes, privately. Without a valid referral the endocrinologist has to bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2].
Can my GP give me an indefinite referral to an endocrinologist?
Yes, if you need ongoing specialist care. An indefinite referral covers continuing care for the condition it was written for. A new or unrelated condition needs a new referral [2].
What conditions do endocrinologists treat?
Conditions caused by problems with hormones and hormone glands, including diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis, menopause, metabolic disorders, some cancers of the endocrine glands and infertility [1].
Can I see an endocrinologist by telehealth?
Sometimes. Medicare has video and phone items for specialist and consultant physician consultations, with video preferred. A first consultation has a video item but not a phone item, and you still need a referral for the Medicare rebate [8].
Does private health insurance cover an endocrinologist?
Not for appointments in the endocrinologist's rooms. Health insurers can't contribute to out-of-hospital treatment for Medicare services [7].
References
- healthdirect. The role of an endocrinologist. Last reviewed October 2023. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/healthcare-and-services/roles-and-specialties/endo
- 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
- 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
- MBS Online. Item 104: Specialist, referred consultation, initial attendance. Schedule fee updated 1 July 2026. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=104&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.