How Long Is a Cosmetic Surgery Referral Valid?
A GP referral for a specialist is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. This means you have up to 12 months to have your first consultation with the cosmetic surgeon after receiving the referral.
The standard 12-month validity
Under Medicare rules, a referral to a specialist is valid for 12 months. After that period, you would need a new referral before returning to the same specialist. For cosmetic surgery — which typically does not involve Medicare rebates for the surgical component — the 12-month rule is still the standard used by practitioners.
What happens if my referral expires?
If your referral expires before you have your first consultation, you will need a new one. This means another appointment with your GP or telehealth service and another referral fee. It is worth checking the date on your referral if significant time has passed since it was issued.
Does the referral cover the whole surgical journey?
The referral covers your consultations with the operating doctor. It is not a sign-off on the surgery itself. After the referral, you still need to:
- Have a first consultation
- Have a second consultation (AHPRA requires a minimum of two consultations with the operating doctor)
- Complete psychological/BDD screening
- Provide informed consent
- Observe the 7-day cooling-off period after consent
Can I use the same referral for multiple surgeons?
A referral is generally addressed to a specific specialist or to "any specialist in [field]." If you change surgeons, check whether the referral is addressed broadly enough to cover a different doctor. When in doubt, ask the new surgeon's rooms whether your existing referral is acceptable, or obtain a new one.
Frequently asked questions
A GP referral to a specialist is generally valid for 12 months from the date it was issued.
It depends on how the referral is addressed. If it names a specific doctor, you may need a new one. If it is addressed broadly to "any surgeon in [specialty]", it may cover a different doctor. Check with the new surgeon's practice.
The referral covers your first consultation. After that, the surgical timeline is between you and your surgeon. The referral itself expires 12 months from issue for repeat consultation purposes.