What are the Medicare rules about referrals to specialists?
If you want Medicare to help to pay for specialist medical services at the referred rate, it is essential to discuss your condition and possible referral with your family doctor before you see the specialist. Please note that the backdating of referrals is illegal and can result in heavy fines and prison sentences. If you have any questions about seeing medical specialists or about the Medicare benefits system, please ask your family doctor or contact Medicare on 13 2011.