How long is a GP referral valid in Australia?

A standard GP referral is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. An indefinite referral has no expiry date but only applies to specific circumstances such as ongoing specialist care. The referral must be used (first appointment made) within the valid period. After expiry, a new referral is needed for Medicare rebates.

Referral Letter Writer

Fill in the form below to generate a formatted referral letter. No data is stored — everything stays in your browser.

📋 Sources: Referral letter structure based on RACGP Standards for General Practice (5th edition) — criterion C7.1 (clinical handover documentation). Verified June 2026.
Reference for clinicians. This tool generates a structured letter from your inputs — clinical content, accuracy, and appropriateness of referral remain entirely the prescriber's responsibility. Drafts are produced locally in your browser and are not stored on a server.

Referring Doctor

Doctor name

Provider number

Practice name

Practice address

Phone

Fax

Email (optional)

💡 Your doctor details are saved locally so you don't have to re-enter them next time.

Patient Details

Patient name

Date of birth

Address

Phone

Medicare number

Healthcare concession

Referred To

Specialist / service

Name (if known)

Practice / facility

Urgency

Routine Semi-urgent Urgent

Clinical Information

Reason for referral

Relevant clinical history

Current medications

Allergies / adverse reactions

Interpreter needed?

Relevant investigations / results

What I would like you to do

Additional notes (optional)