Your First Appointment

Seeing a specialist for the first time can feel daunting. Here is everything you need to know before you arrive so your appointment can focus on what matters — your health.

Before you come

You will need a current referral letter from your GP before your first appointment. Specialist consultations in Australia require a valid referral for Medicare to apply. A GP referral is valid for 12 months. A referral from another specialist is valid for 3 months.

If your referral has expired or you are unsure whether yours is current, contact your GP before calling to book.

What to Bring

  • Your referral letter

  • Your Medicare card

  • Pension Concession Card if applicable

  • Private health insurance details if applicable

  • Any recent blood test results, imaging reports or specialist letters related to your condition

  • A list of your current medications, or bring your medication packaging

  • Any glucose monitoring data or device if you are attending for diabetes management

What to expect

Your first appointment will be longer than a standard GP visit — usually 30 to 45 minutes. The specialist will take a detailed history, ask about your symptoms, and review any results you have brought.

You do not need to have all the answers. The appointment is a conversation, and the specialist will guide it. If you have questions or concerns you want to make sure you raise, write them down beforehand so you do not forget.

After your appointment the specialist will write to your GP with a summary of the consultation and any plan for further investigations or treatment. Ask reception if you would like a copy of this letter sent to you as well.

Getting Here

The practice is at 150 Gilmour Street, Kelso NSW 2795, approximately seven minutes from Bathurst CBD. There is on-site parking. If you have mobility or access requirements, please let reception know when you book and we will make sure everything is ready for you.

If you need to cancel

Please give us as much notice as possible, at least 24 hours where you can. Call reception on (02) 6330 4600. This allows us to offer your appointment to another patient who may be waiting.