How to choose a specialist: what to look for

A practical checklist for choosing a specialist, from qualifications and experience to fees, waits and how they communicate.

Your GP will often suggest a specialist, but you can have a say. It's reasonable to ask why they've chosen someone, and to ask for other options if cost, distance or waiting time is a problem.

Check registration and qualifications

Every doctor in Australia must be registered with AHPRA. You can search the public register online to check a doctor's registration and whether they're registered as a specialist in a particular field. The register also shows any conditions on their registration.

Questions to consider

• Experience: does the specialist often treat your condition or do your procedure? Some have a special interest within their field.
• Location and hospitals: where are their rooms, and which hospitals do they operate at?
• Waiting time: how soon can they see you? Ask whether they hold spots for urgent referrals.
• Fees: do they bulk bill or charge a gap? If surgery is likely, do they use your insurer's gap cover scheme?
• Telehealth: are follow-up visits available by video? See Is a telehealth appointment right for me?.
• Communication: do they explain things clearly and write back to your GP promptly?

Finding out more

Your GP is often the best source of advice, as they hear how other patients get on. You can also call the specialist's rooms and ask practical questions about fees, waits and what to bring. Online reviews can be useful but treat them with caution, as they may not reflect the quality of care.

Making the most of the first visit

Bring your referral, results and a list of questions. See Getting the most from your specialist appointment. If something doesn't feel right after the first visit, you can ask your GP to refer you to someone else. See How to get a second opinion from another specialist.

Public or private

If you go through a public hospital clinic, you usually can't choose the individual specialist. Choosing who you see is one of the main reasons people go private. See Public or private: how to choose where to see a specialist.

If you have a long-term condition, think about who you'll see over time. Seeing the same specialist at each visit can make care more consistent, and it helps when they already know your history and test results.

For children, look for a specialist with experience in Paediatrics or in treating children with your child's condition.

On Spec Book you can compare specialists by soonest appointment, fees, telehealth and location, then your GP can send the referral with the booking.

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