The short answer
Yes, if you want a Medicare rebate. You need a referral, usually from your GP, to claim Medicare for a gastroenterologist appointment. You can see one privately without a referral, but any Medicare benefit is lower and you'll pay more. If you're vomiting blood, passing black poo or bleeding heavily from your bottom, get urgent help instead of waiting for a referral.
On this page
Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist?
Yes, if you want Medicare to help with the cost. Better Health Channel advises that you need a referral from a doctor to see a gastroenterologist [1]. You can still book privately without one, but the gastroenterologist then has to bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2][3].
A gastroenterologist is a physician who treats conditions of the digestive system and intestines, such as inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Their services include procedures like gastroscopy and colonoscopy [1].
When to get urgent help instead
Don't wait for a referral if you have bleeding with any of these [4]:
- very heavy bleeding from your bottom
- black or dark red poo
- blood in your vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- fainting, or signs of shock such as rapid shallow breathing, dizziness or confusion
- severe pain in your rectum
Go to an emergency department or call 000. Healthdirect also advises going to an emergency department if you have heavy bleeding from your bottom along with severe tummy pain, fever, nausea, or you can't do a poo [4].
What should I see my GP about first?
See your doctor as soon as possible, without waiting for a bowel screening kit, if you notice [5]:
- blood in your poo
- changes in your bowel habits, such as looser poos, going more often or severe constipation
- tummy pain, unexpected weight loss or tiredness
- a family history of bowel cancer
Most people with rectal bleeding don't have cancer or another serious illness, but it's important to get it checked [4].
Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free at-home poo test every 2 years for people aged 45 to 74 [5]. A positive result means blood was found, which can have many causes other than bowel cancer. If your result is positive, see your doctor. They may arrange more tests, such as a colonoscopy [5].
Who can write a gastroenterologist 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 [2]. It must be in writing, and the gastroenterologist needs it by your first appointment [3]. Take the results of any tests with you, such as x-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs [1].
Does it need to name a gastroenterologist?
No. For appointments in private rooms, naming a specialist is up to your GP. If one is named, you can still see a different gastroenterologist, as long as you haven't started seeing the named one [2]. If you choose to be a private patient in a public hospital outpatient clinic, the referral must be addressed to a named specialist [2].
How long does a gastroenterologist 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 gastroenterologist, not the date the referral was written [2]. If you have a long-term condition and need ongoing specialist care, your GP can write an indefinite referral, which covers continuing care for that condition. A new or unrelated problem needs a new referral [2]. More in how long a referral lasts.
How much does a gastroenterologist cost?
Fees vary between gastroenterologists, so contact the rooms before you go if you'd like to know the cost [1]. With a valid referral, Medicare pays a benefit set by 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 applies depends on the specialist's recognition and the type of appointment.
What you pay also depends on where you're treated:
- Consultations in rooms. Private health insurance won't help, because insurers can't contribute to out-of-hospital treatment for Medicare services [8].
- Colonoscopy as a public patient in a public hospital. You won't usually have any out-of-pocket costs [6].
- Colonoscopy in a private hospital, or as a private patient. You might have to pay, depending on your level of private health insurance. Ask your insurer about out-of-pocket costs and waiting periods [6].
Can I get a gastroenterologist 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].
Some gastroenterology appointments can be 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 [9]. These items have the same requirements as the matching in-person items, so you still need a referral [9][10].
Getting a referral
Referral GP offers telehealth consultations by phone or video with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. If your GP thinks a gastroenterologist is the right next step, they can write a referral, and they can request tests such as 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.
We're not an emergency service. For heavy bleeding, black poo or vomiting blood, go to an emergency department or call 000.
Start a specialist referral consult
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Common questions
Can I see a gastroenterologist without a referral?
Yes, privately. Without a valid referral the gastroenterologist has to bill a different Medicare item, so any benefit is lower and you'll likely pay more out of pocket [2].
My bowel screening test was positive. What now?
See your doctor. A positive test means blood was found, which can have many causes other than cancer. Your doctor may arrange more tests, such as a colonoscopy [5].
How long does a gastroenterologist referral last?
A GP referral lasts 12 months from your first appointment, unless your GP writes a different period or makes it indefinite for an ongoing condition. A referral from another specialist lasts 3 months [2].
Does private health insurance cover a gastroenterologist?
References
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Department of Health). Gastroenterologist services. Accessed November 2026. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServiceProfiles/Gastroenterologist-serv
- 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. Rectal bleeding. Last reviewed December 2025. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/symptoms/rectal-bleeding
- healthdirect. Bowel cancer screening: frequently asked questions. Last reviewed October 2024. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/procedures/health-screenings/bowel-cancer-screenin
- healthdirect. Colonoscopy. Last reviewed June 2024. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/procedures/diagnostic-tests-and-scans/colonoscopy
- 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.