Should I see my GP or a peptide doctor first?
Updated 2 November 2026Either is a reasonable first step. Your GP knows your history and can coordinate your care. A telehealth clinic doctor can assess you without a GP referral and may ask for your GP records. Either way, check the doctor's AHPRA registration and share your full history.
Do I need a GP referral for a telehealth consult?
No. You don't need a GP referral to see a doctor privately, in person or by telehealth. Referrals matter mainly for specialists: to claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist visit, you need a referral, usually from a GP. The $99 doctor consult (incl. GST) with a Peptide Doctor Australia partner clinic is a private consult paid to the clinic. There is no Medicare rebate and no referral is needed.
Medicare rules for telehealth are set by the Australian Government and change from time to time. If a rebate matters to you, ask your GP's practice what applies to you, or check Services Australia's Medicare information.
When is starting with your GP the better choice?
Starting with your GP often makes sense when:
- you have a long-term condition, such as heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or a mental health condition
- you take several prescription medicines, or see more than one specialist
- you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- you want one doctor to coordinate all of your care over time
Your GP already holds your records, can order tests and can refer you to a specialist. They can also tell you whether a telehealth consult elsewhere suits your situation.
When can a telehealth doctor be a reasonable first step?
A telehealth consult can suit you if you don't have a regular GP, can't get a timely appointment, or live far from a clinic. A partner clinic doctor registered with AHPRA assesses you by video or phone. They ask about your health history, current medicines and goals, and may ask for recent blood tests or your GP's records before deciding anything.
The doctor may decide that treatment isn't appropriate, or that you should see your GP or a specialist first. That is part of a proper assessment.
What should I bring or share?
Whoever you see first, have this ready:
- a list of every medicine, supplement and vitamin you take, and how often
- any products you've already bought online, including anything labelled "research use only"
- recent blood test reports and any letters from specialists
- your main health conditions, allergies and past operations
- your GP's name and practice, so records can be shared if you agree
Tell the doctor everything, even if it feels awkward. A doctor can only assess what they know about.
Will the telehealth doctor tell my GP?
Usually only with your consent. Ask the doctor at the start of the consult how they share information with your GP. Many doctors will send your GP a summary if you agree, so your records stay complete. If you use My Health Record, you can also check what has been uploaded.
How do I check the doctor is registered?
Every doctor practising in Australia must be registered with AHPRA. Search the doctor's name on the public register before your consult, and check that the registration is current and note any conditions listed. Our guide shows how to check a doctor's AHPRA registration step by step.
Can I see both?
Yes. Many people keep their GP as their main doctor and use telehealth for a specific question. Keep both doctors informed about medicines and test reports, so neither is working from an incomplete picture.