Compare cosmetic surgery referral services in Australia
Since July 2023, you need a GP referral before any cosmetic surgery consultation. Here's every way to get one — and what each costs.
Comparative Assessment
Cosmetic Surgery GP Referral Services — Australia
Last verified:
June 2026
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
Your own GP AHPRA preferred | $0–$90 Bulk-billed possible; Medicare rebate may apply |
| $24.99 | |
| From $39.95 | |
| $39.90 | |
| From $49 Standard listed referrals (skin/eye/colonoscopy) $24; cosmetic requires Telehealth Consult from $49 | |
| Standard fees apply No Medicare rebates offered. Verify current pricing directly with provider. |
AHPRA preferred
Bulk-billed possible; Medicare rebate may apply
Business hours (varies) · In person or telehealth
AHPRA-preferred path. GP knows your medical history. Possible Medicare rebate if bulk-billed.
8am–midnight, 365 days · Phone/video consult; instant PDF download if approved
Lowest-priced dedicated cosmetic referral service found at time of verification.
6am–midnight daily · Questionnaire + practitioner call
Specific pages for cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon referrals.
6am–midnight AEDT · Phone consult; ~1 hour turnaround claimed
18+ only. General specialist referral service; not cosmetic-specific.
Standard listed referrals (skin/eye/colonoscopy) $24; cosmetic requires Telehealth Consult from $49
24/7 · Phone consult
Wesfarmers-owned. Cosmetic surgery referrals not explicitly listed; would require a general telehealth consultation.
No Medicare rebates offered. Verify current pricing directly with provider.
Verify with provider · Questionnaire + phone or video consult with Australian-registered practitioner
NIB-affiliated. Complete pre-screening questionnaire, then book a consult. Referral issued if assessed as clinically appropriate. No Medicare rebates.
Important: All referrals are issued only if an AHPRA-registered practitioner assesses them as clinically appropriate. A referral is not a recommendation of surgery or any practitioner. Prices verified June 2026 — verify directly with each provider before booking.
The process
How it works
Australia's 2023 AHPRA reforms introduced a stepped process before cosmetic surgery can proceed.
Get a GP referral
See your own GP or use a telehealth service. The doctor will assess your health and issue a referral if clinically appropriate. Required by AHPRA since 1 July 2023.
Two consultations + cooling-off
Have at least two consultations with the operating doctor. After you provide consent, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies before surgery can be scheduled.
Choose your specialist
Once the required process is complete, you can proceed with a specialist plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. Your referral must come from an independent GP — not the surgeon's own clinic.
By procedure
Referral guides by procedure
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, AHPRA requires anyone seeking cosmetic surgery to have a referral from a GP or non-cosmetic specialist before having a consultation with the operating doctor. This applies to all cosmetic surgical procedures.
The requirement applies to cosmetic surgical procedures — including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), blepharoplasty, facelift, liposuction, and cosmetic genital surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments (injectables, laser, thread lifts) are not covered by this rule.
Yes. Several telehealth services offer GP consultations specifically for cosmetic surgery referrals, available evenings and weekends. The doctor must still assess it as clinically appropriate before issuing a referral.
Between $0 (if your GP bulk-bills) and around $90 for a private GP consultation (partially offset by a Medicare rebate). Telehealth services charge a flat fee of $24.99–$49.95.
No. A referral simply allows you to have the mandatory first consultation with the operating doctor. It is not a recommendation of surgery, an endorsement of any practitioner, or a guarantee that surgery will proceed.
You can then book your first consultation with the cosmetic surgeon. AHPRA requires a minimum of two consultations, a 7-day cooling-off period after you provide consent, and BDD/psychological screening before surgery can proceed.
Patient protections
Know your rights before you book
Australia's 2023 reforms introduced significant protections: mandatory two consultations, a 7-day cooling-off period, psychological screening, and strict rules on who can refer you. Understanding these protections is part of making an informed decision.
Your rights as a cosmetic surgery patient