One of the most common questions we hear from new clients is whether they need to see a GP first. In most cases, the answer is no. Physiotherapists and chiropractors are first contact practitioners in Australia, which means you can book directly without a referral.
However, there are some situations where a referral or extra paperwork is needed, particularly if you want to use Medicare, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) or a WorkCover claim to help cover the cost.
This guide explains when you do and do not need a referral in Queensland, and how the common funding options generally work. Rules and rebates can change, so it is always worth confirming the details with your GP, health fund or insurer.
Can you see a physio or chiropractor without a referral?
Yes. If you are paying privately, with or without private health insurance, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor. The same generally applies to osteopaths and remedial massage therapists.
Physiotherapists and chiropractors are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and are trained to assess your condition, screen for signs that need medical attention, and refer you to a GP or for imaging if needed. Seeing a GP first can still be helpful in some cases, for example if you have complex medical conditions or symptoms that worry you.
Does private health insurance require a referral?
No. Private health insurers do not usually require a GP referral for physiotherapy or chiropractic. Whether you can claim, and how much you get back, depends on your fund, your level of extras cover, any waiting periods and annual limits.
At The Good Joint, you can claim on the spot using HICAPS, so you only pay the gap on the day. It is a good idea to check with your fund beforehand so you know what to expect.
When do you need a GP referral for Medicare?
Medicare does not cover standard physiotherapy or chiropractic visits. However, if you have a chronic condition, your GP may be able to refer you for allied health care under a Chronic Condition Management plan. To be eligible, your GP needs to agree that the plan is suitable for you and that you would benefit from allied health care.
Some general points about this pathway:
You need a valid referral from your GP before your appointment to claim the rebate
Medicare provides a rebate for a limited number of eligible allied health visits per calendar year
The rebate usually does not cover the full fee, so there may be an out of pocket cost
The allied health provider generally reports back to your GP on your care
Your GP can tell you whether you are eligible and how many visits are available to you. Our chronic pain management page explains how ongoing care can be structured.
What about DVA clients?
If you hold a DVA Veteran Card (Gold Card or White Card), DVA may fund physiotherapy, chiropractic and other allied health services. In general, you will need a referral from your GP or another eligible referrer, and White Card holders are covered for treatment of accepted conditions.
Referral requirements and how long a referral remains valid are set by DVA and can change, so check with DVA or your GP before your first visit. Please let us know you are a DVA client when you book so we can make sure the right paperwork is in place.
How does WorkCover Queensland work?
If you have been injured at work in Queensland, treatment may be covered under a WorkCover claim. Generally, you will need to see a doctor, who provides a work capacity certificate, and lodge a claim with WorkCover Queensland or your employer's insurer if they are self insured.
Once your claim is accepted, the insurer can fund reasonable treatment, which may include physiotherapy or chiropractic. Some treatment may need approval from the insurer before it goes ahead. When you book, please have your claim number and insurer details ready. We also accept NSW WorkCover claims. Our work injury and return to work rehabilitation page explains how we support people recovering from workplace injuries.
When should you see a GP first?
Even though you do not need a referral, some symptoms need medical assessment before, or alongside, physical therapy. See a GP or seek urgent care if you have:
A suspected fracture, such as after a fall or accident with severe pain, swelling or deformity
Back pain with numbness in the groin or saddle area, or new bladder or bowel problems
A sudden, severe headache, or headache with fever and a stiff neck
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss
Rapidly worsening weakness or numbness
For emergencies, call 000.
What should you bring to your first appointment?
Having the right paperwork on hand makes your first visit smoother, especially if you are using a funding scheme. Depending on your situation, it may help to bring:
- Your private health insurance card if you would like to claim on the spot
- Your Medicare card and the GP referral letter if you are attending under a Chronic Condition Management plan
- Your DVA card if you are a DVA client
- Your WorkCover claim number and any paperwork from your employer or insurer
- Any recent scan reports, letters from other health professionals and a list of your current medications
Wear comfortable clothing that lets your practitioner see and move the area being assessed. If you are not sure what applies to you, the team at our Mermaid Beach clinic can help before you book. You can also browse all of our services to see which practitioner may suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for an X ray before seeing a physio or chiro?
No. Most people do not need imaging before their first visit. If your practitioner thinks imaging may be useful, they will discuss it with you and can refer you or suggest you see your GP.
Can I use a Medicare plan and private health insurance for the same visit?
No. You generally cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health rebate for the same appointment. You can choose which to use for each visit, depending on what suits you.
Do I need a referral after a car accident?
For private treatment, no. If you want treatment funded under a CTP claim in Queensland, you will usually need to lodge a claim with the insurer, and they may have their own requirements, so check with them first.
Getting help on the Gold Coast
At The Good Joint in Mermaid Beach, no referral is needed for most appointments, and we accept private health (with on the spot HICAPS claiming), Medicare Chronic Condition Management plans, DVA, and Queensland and NSW WorkCover. Visit our new client information page, explore our physiotherapy and chiropractic services, or book online. You can also call 07 5651 6594 if you have questions about funding.
Related reading: Can I claim physio or chiropractic on private health or Medicare? and What happens at your first chiropractic appointment?
