Do You Need a Referral to See a Physio?
If you’re wondering “do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist? ”you’re not alone. It’s a common question for people who have pain, injury, or just want to improve their movement and function.
Good news: in most cases, no, you don’t need to wait for a GP referral before seeing a physio. But there are a few important things to know, especially when it comes to rebates, insurance claims and special programs.
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Direct access: You can see a physio without a doctor’s referral
Physiotherapists in Australia are recognised as primary-contact allied health professionals, which means you can book in and see one without first visiting your GP. According to the health information service Healthdirect Australia:
“You don’t have to see your doctor for a referral to see a physiotherapist.”
Also the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) explains that physiotherapists have been able to work autonomously for decades.
In practical terms: if you have a niggle, pain, or movement issue, you can call a physio clinic, book an assessment, and go ahead, no referral required.
When might a referral be needed (or beneficial)
Although you don’t need a referral in general, there are some situations where one becomes necessary or provides additional benefits. Here are common cases:
👇 Learn more about the benefits of mobile physiotherapy.
1. Medicare rebates / Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans
If you have a GP-managed Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care/EPC) and want to access Medicare rebates for physio visits, you’ll likely need a GP referral indicating your eligibility. For example:
“To be eligible for certain payment schemes … you will require a doctor’s referral.”
2. Insurance claims (WorkCover, CTP, DVA)
If your injury is covered by workers compensation (WorkCover), compulsory third-party motor vehicle accident (CTP) insurance, or a veterans’ affair claim, you may need a doctor’s referral or official claim number before treatment can proceed or be rebated.
2. Insurance claims (WorkCover, CTP, DVA)
If your injury is covered by workers compensation (WorkCover), compulsory third-party motor vehicle accident (CTP) insurance, or a veterans’ affair claim, you may need a doctor’s referral or official claim number before treatment can proceed or be rebated.
3. Complex medical issues or red-flags
If your physio assessment reveals serious underlying issues (for example, evidence of infection, major fracture, neurological decline), the physiotherapist will refer you to a GP or specialist. They always work within their scope of practice.
4. Rebate implications for scans/imaging
If you go directly to a physio and then they refer you for imaging (e.g., MRI/CT), you may still require a doctor’s referral to access full Medicare rebates for those scans.
Why this matters: faster care + smarter outcomes
Because you can see a physiotherapist directly, you often avoid the delay of first booking a GP just for a “referral visit”. That means:
You get expert assessment and treatment sooner
You may avoid unnecessary GP visits for purely musculoskeletal issues
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones
As the APA put it: making physiotherapists direct access professionals helps save time, cost and improves patient outcomes.
Of course, this benefit only applies when the physio is the right clinician for your problem — so always choose a qualified, registered practitioner.
What this means for our practice in Melbourne
At KHY Physio (serving Melbourne suburbs such as Blackburn, Bulleen, Doncaster and surrounds), our process is simple and if you’re wondering “do you need a referral to see a physio?” the answer is usually no:
You can book an appointment with us without needing a referral.
At your first session, we’ll complete a full assessment, understand your history, goals, and identify whether a referral is necessary for any additional care.
If you are seeking Medicare rebates through a CDM plan or have a WorkCover, CTP or DVA claim, we’ll guide you through what paperwork or referral you may need.
We can also communicate with your GP (with your consent) to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
So whether you’ve been in pain for a few days or dealing with a long-standing issue, you don’t need a referral to see a physio and you don’t need to wait. We’re ready when you are.
