How to Get a Medical Referral

How to get a Medical Referral from a GP or a Specialist to a Coco Ruby Surgeon

If your surgery is eligible for a Medicare item number you’ll need to get a valid Medical Referral to access the Medicare rebate (and maybe a Private Health Fund subsidy). A Referral from a GP is valid for 12 months and a Referral from a Specialist is valid for 3 months. Please FAX your referral letter to (03) 9429 8456 or send by email to reception@cocoruby.com.au

NOTE – It is NOT essential to have a medical referral before having an initial consultation with a Coco Ruby Plastic Surgeon – but you won’t be eligible for the Medicare rebate of about $70.

Depending on your level of Private Hospital Insurance cover,  you may be able to get assistance from your Insurer to subsidise your Hospital Fee but only IF you are eligible for a Medicare item number and have a valid Medical Referral.

Here is an article on the RULES about what is a Valid Medical Referral to a Specialist.

Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery offers a range of Breast, Body, Face, Nose and Gender SRS Cosmetic Plastic Surgery by some of Australia’s most experienced surgeons. Our main clinic is located in Hawthorn and also Berwick in Melbourne, Australia.

Surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery – Plastic Surgeons and ENT Surgeon

About our Melbourne Surgeons and their Specialities

• Dr Craig Rubinstein – Breast and Tummy Surgery for Women in Melbourne
• Dr Patrick Briggs – Breast, Body, Face & Gender/SRS Surgery for men and women in Melbourne
• Dr Rebecca Wyten – Breast and Tummy Surgery for Women in Melbourne
• Dr Geoffrey Barnett – Breast, Body, Face Surgery and Body lifts for post-weight loss patients in Melbourne
• Dr Richard Sackelariou – Breast, Nose and Face Surgery in Melbourne and Sydney
• Dr Stephen Kleid – ENT Surgeon – Nose Surgery in Melbourne

We currently don’t offer Skin Cancer Surgery, Post Cancer Reconstruction, Hand Surgery or Trauma Surgery – however, we can help you find another reliable surgeon to refer to.

Doctors and Medical Practices that can provide you with a Medical Referral for Plastic Surgery

Please make an appointment with a Medical Professional and ask for a referral to either the clinic – Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery – or a specific surgeon.

Benefits of getting a Medical Referral

• Keeps all your medical records in one place (Your GP)
• Informs your surgeon about your medical history
• Enables your surgeon to keep your GP updated
• Needed for eligibility for a Medicare Rebate and possible Private Health Insurance subsidy for your medically necessary surgery.
• You can get a Medicare Rebate on your Specialist Consultation Fee if you have a medical referral.  (Not for purely Cosmetic surgery – only medically necessary surgery)

Information for a Medical Referral to a Specialist Plastic Surgeon or ENT Surgeon

Helpful Information in a Patient Referral for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

The following items would be helpful in your medical referral to a specialist plastic or ENT Surgeon.

Patient Demographic Information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Next of kin
• Postal address
• Contact number(s)
• Email address
• Medicare number
• Referring GP details including provider number
• Usual GP (if different)
• Interpreter requirements (if req)

Patient Clinical Information:

• Reason for referral to a specialist
• Duration of symptoms
• Management to date and response to treatment
• Past medical history
• Current medications and medication history if relevant
• Functional status and capability
• Psychosocial history and any Mental Health issues
• Dietary status
• Family history
• Diagnostic tests completed and any results

NOTE – A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months and a Referral from a Specialist is valid for 3 months. You must have a valid referral at the time of surgery.

In order to be eligible for Medicare – It is helpful that your doctor indicates that you meet all the criteria.

Useful Medicare Criteria Information for Patients getting a Referral

• Read the Blog on “will medicare cover my surgery?”
• Medicare Item Numbers, Criteria and Guidelines for Plastic Surgery 

Download our Guide to Medicare and Health Insurance for Plastic Surgery

Medicare and Health Insurance Guide

• Name*
  First Last
• Email*
• Would you like us to call you?*
  • Yes! Please Call Me!
  • No, don't call me just yet!
• Phone*
• Message

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Download ALL the Plastic Surgery Procedure Guides & Patient Journey Guides

You can access all our guides and checklists online or we are happy to send out printed copies of these guides to Victorian Medical Clinics.