Searching for telehealth with no referral usually means one thing: you want to talk to a practitioner without first booking a GP visit just to get a letter. That’s a fair thing to want. This guide explains what “no referral” means for a telehealth consult, what you do need to have ready, and how booking works at CannElevate, so there are no surprises on the day.
What “no referral needed” actually means
A referral is a letter from one doctor asking another practitioner to see you. Many specialist services require one, partly because Medicare rebates for specialists depend on it. A general telehealth consult is different. At CannElevate, you can book an initial consult directly, with no referral needed. You don’t have to see your GP first or bring a letter.
That said, “no referral” doesn’t mean “no questions”. The practitioner still needs to understand your health history to have a useful conversation, and they may suggest you also see your regular GP or an in-person service if that’s the better fit. A referral-free booking simply removes one step at the start. It doesn’t change how carefully the consult is run. Our telehealth without a referral page sets out the basics in one place.
What you need to book (the short list)
You don’t need a referral, but you do need a few things. Having them ready makes registration quick:
- Your Medicare card number or IHI. A Medicare card number or an IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) is required to book. Everyone enrolled in Medicare or with the DVA automatically has an IHI, and others can apply for one. If you don’t have a Medicare card handy, you can find your IHI through your myGov account or by contacting Services Australia.
- Your contact details. A mobile number and email address that you check, so we can confirm your booking and reach you at consult time.
- A phone or a device for video. Consults run by phone or video, whichever you prefer. A smartphone is enough for either.
- A quiet, private spot. Somewhere you can talk openly for around 20 minutes without being overheard.
- A rough timeline of your health history. Current medicines, past diagnoses, and anything you’ve already tried with other practitioners. Notes on your phone are fine.
That’s it. There’s no form to get signed by another doctor, and no letter to upload.
How booking works, step by step
CannElevate is an Australia-wide telehealth service. Phone or video, from wherever you are. Here’s the path from first click to consult:
- Start online. Head to get started and choose a time that suits you. Consult hours are Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm AWST, so check the time difference if you’re on the east coast.
- Register your details. Enter your contact details and your Medicare card number or IHI. This lets us confirm who you are and keep your record accurate.
- Know the fee. The initial consult is $29. Consults are privately billed, which means there’s no Medicare rebate. Follow-ups are $19 if you need another conversation later.
- Get your confirmation. You’ll get a booking confirmation with your time and whether you chose phone or video.
- Join the consult. At your booked time, your AHPRA-registered practitioner calls or video-calls you. No waiting room, no travel.
If you want the fuller picture, including what happens after the appointment, read how it works.
Why a Medicare number or IHI is required
People sometimes ask why a privately billed consult still asks for a Medicare card number or IHI. The short answer is identity and safety. These numbers help confirm that you are who you say you are, and they link your consult to the national healthcare identifier system. That keeps records accurate across the practitioners you see. It isn’t used to claim a rebate for this consult.
If you’re a new arrival, a visitor with an IHI, or simply can’t find your Medicare card, an IHI works just as well for booking. Services Australia can tell you your IHI if you don’t have it handy.
What to have on hand during the consult
Booking is the easy part. Getting the most from the conversation comes down to preparation. Before your appointment time:
- Charge your phone or laptop and test your camera if you chose video.
- Have your list of current medicines and doses in front of you.
- Write down two or three things you most want to talk about, so nothing slips your mind.
- Keep a pen and paper nearby to note any next steps.
Be ready for the practitioner to ask detailed questions. That’s a sign of a careful consult, not a hurdle. If something isn’t clear, ask them to explain it again.
Already with another clinic?
You don’t need a referral to move across, either. If you’re currently with another telehealth clinic and want a change, our switch clinics page explains how to transfer, what details to bring from your current provider, and how the first consult works when you switch. If you’re weighing up options, the clinic fee comparison lays out how listed fees sit side by side.
When telehealth isn’t the right choice
Telehealth suits a lot of situations, but not all of them. It isn’t for emergencies. If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent care, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. It also isn’t the right fit when you need a physical examination, tests that must be done in person, or when your practitioner advises you to attend a clinic face to face. A good telehealth service will tell you when that’s the case.
FAQ
Do I need a referral for a telehealth consult at CannElevate?
No. You can book an initial telehealth consult directly, with no referral needed.
What do I need to book?
Your Medicare card number or IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier), your contact details, and a phone or device for a phone or video call.
How much does it cost without a referral?
The initial consult is $29 and follow-ups are $19. Consults are privately billed, so there’s no Medicare rebate.
Can I book from anywhere in Australia?
Yes. CannElevate offers Australia-wide telehealth by phone or video, from wherever you are.
What are the consult hours?
Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm AWST.
I don’t have a Medicare card. Can I still book?
Yes, if you have an IHI. You can find it through myGov or by contacting Services Australia.
Ready to book?
No referral, no letter, no waiting room. Just your Medicare number or IHI, a phone, and a few minutes to register. When you’re ready for an unhurried conversation with a registered practitioner, you can book a consultation online.
Book nowTalk to a practitioner, from wherever you are
$29 telehealth consult, no referral needed, Australia-wide. Medicare number or IHI required. Consults privately billed. Phone or video with an AHPRA-registered practitioner; follow-ups are $19. Book now.
See how it works · telehealth, no referral · compare clinic fees · switching clinics? · refer a friend
