Spec Book guides

Plain-English health guides

What specialists do, when you need one, referrals, costs and Medicare, written for Australians.

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• Everyday health
• Care navigation
• Referrals
• Costs & Medicare
• Appointments
• Conditions
• Mental health
• Allied health
• Children

Everyday health

• Everyday health · 2 minWide awake again? Start with a smaller sleep resetA calmer routine can help, but persistent poor sleep deserves more than another bedtime hack.
• Everyday health · 2 minYour desk day needs movement, not a perfect workoutSmall, repeatable opportunities to move can make getting active feel more achievable.

Care navigation

• Care navigation · 2 minThe three questions worth taking to your next GP visitA little preparation can help you leave with a clearer plan, even when you feel rushed or nervous.

Referrals

• Referrals · 3 minWhat do Category 1, 2 and 3 referrals mean?Urgency categories tell a specialist how soon you should be seen. Here's what each one means.
• Referrals · 2 minHow long does a specialist referral last?Most GP referrals last 12 months. Here's when you need a new one.
• Referrals · 4 minPublic or private: how to choose where to see a specialistPublic clinics are free but often have longer waits. Private specialists cost more but you choose who and when. Here's how to weigh it up.
• Referrals · 3 minHow to get a second opinion from another specialistGetting a second opinion is common and your right. Here's how to ask, what you'll need and how it affects costs.
• Referrals · 4 minHow to choose a specialist: what to look forA practical checklist for choosing a specialist, from qualifications and experience to fees, waits and how they communicate.

Costs & Medicare

• Costs & Medicare · 3 minDo I need a referral for a physio, psychologist or dietitian?You can book allied health directly. A GP plan can get you a Medicare rebate.
• Costs & Medicare · 3 minBulk billing, rebates and gap fees explainedWhy specialist fees vary, and how to work out what you'll pay.
• Costs & Medicare · 4 minWhat does bulk billing mean, and who can bulk bill me?Bulk billing means Medicare pays the doctor directly and you pay nothing. Here's how it works for GPs, specialists and allied health.
• Costs & Medicare · 4 minHow does the Medicare Safety Net work?The Medicare Safety Net increases your rebates once your out-of-hospital medical costs reach a threshold in a calendar year.
• Costs & Medicare · 4 minDoes private health insurance cover specialist visits?Private health insurance usually doesn't cover specialist visits in their rooms, but hospital cover helps once you're admitted. Here's why.
• Costs & Medicare · 5 minUnderstanding a surgery quote: what to ask before you agreeBefore private surgery you should get a written estimate of all costs. Here's what a good quote includes and what to ask.

Appointments

• Appointments · 2 minGetting the most from your specialist appointmentA simple checklist so nothing gets missed on the day.
• Appointments · 2 minIs a telehealth appointment right for me?Video and phone appointments save travel. They suit some visits better than others.
• Appointments · 3 minCancelling an appointment: notice, late fees and no-showsMost clinics ask for notice if you can't make an appointment, and some charge a fee. Here's what to expect and how to avoid it.

Conditions

• Conditions · 4 minKnee pain and osteoarthritis: who should I see?Knee osteoarthritis is common and often improves with exercise and weight management. Here's when to see a physio or surgeon.
• Conditions · 4 minHip pain: when is it time to think about a hip replacement?Most hip arthritis is managed without surgery at first. Here's what helps, and when an orthopaedic surgeon may suggest a replacement.
• Conditions · 4 minMigraine and headaches: when should I see a neurologist?Most headaches can be managed with your GP. Here's when a neurologist helps, and which headaches need urgent care.
• Conditions · 4 minSnoring and sleep apnoea: how do I get checked?Loud snoring with daytime tiredness can be a sign of sleep apnoea. Here's how testing works and who you'll see.
• Conditions · 4 minSkin cancer checks: what to look for and who to seeAustralia has high rates of skin cancer. Here's how to check your skin, when to see your GP and when a dermatologist helps.
• Conditions · 4 minAtrial fibrillation: what it means and who manages itAtrial fibrillation is a common irregular heart rhythm. Here's what it is, why stroke prevention matters and when to see a cardiologist.
• Conditions · 4 minType 2 diabetes: building your care teamType 2 diabetes is managed by a team. Here's who does what, from your GP to an endocrinologist, dietitian and podiatrist.
• Conditions · 4 minBowel screening and colonoscopy: what to expectThe free bowel screening kit can find bowel cancer early. Here's who it's for, and what happens if you need a colonoscopy.
• Conditions · 3 minCataracts: signs, surgery and seeing an ophthalmologistCataracts cloud the lens of the eye and are common with age. Here's when surgery is considered and what to expect.
• Conditions · 4 minEndometriosis: getting a diagnosis and the right carePainful periods that stop you living your life are not normal. Here's how endometriosis is diagnosed and who can help.
• Conditions · 4 minLow back pain: when to see a physio, GP or specialistMost low back pain settles with time and movement. Here is what helps, who to see, and the warning signs that need urgent care.
• Conditions · 4 minACL and sports knee injuries: what happens next?A twisting knee injury can damage the ACL or meniscus. Here is how it is assessed, who you will see, and your treatment options.
• Conditions · 4 minThyroid problems: underactive, overactive and lumpsHow thyroid problems show up, the tests your GP may order, and when you might see an endocrinologist.
• Conditions · 4 minProstate health and the PSA test: what to knowWhat a PSA test can and can't tell you, common prostate symptoms, and when your GP might refer you to a urologist.
• Conditions · 4 minReflux and heartburn: when to see a gastroenterologistMost reflux can be managed with simple changes and your GP. Learn the warning signs that need a specialist or an endoscopy.

Mental health

• Mental health · 4 minAnxiety or depression: when to see a psychologist or psychiatristHow to tell when low mood or worry needs help, who you can see, and how a GP plan works for psychology sessions.
• Mental health · 4 minGetting assessed for ADHD as an adultWhat an adult ADHD assessment involves, who can diagnose and treat it in Australia, and how to start with your GP.
• Mental health · 4 minHow does a Mental Health Treatment Plan work?A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan lets you claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional.

Allied health

• Allied health · 3 minHeel pain and plantar fasciitis: what helps?Heel pain is common and usually settles with simple steps. Learn what causes it and when a podiatrist or physio can help.
• Allied health · 4 minIBS: how a dietitian and gastroenterologist can helpIrritable bowel syndrome is common and manageable. Learn the warning signs to check, and how diet support works.
• Allied health · 4 minWhat is a GP chronic condition management plan?A GP chronic condition management plan helps you manage a long-term condition and can give you Medicare rebates for some allied health visits.

Children

• Children · 4 minIs my child's speech on track? When to see a speech pathologistSigns a child may need help with talking or understanding, and how speech pathology, hearing checks and paediatric care fit together.

General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.