Dr Geoff Ford

Yes — to access Medicare rebates for a paediatric specialist consultation, you generally need a referral from your GP. Your GP will write a referral letter addressed to the paediatrician. Without a referral you can still see a paediatrician but you'll pay the full fee out of pocket. Referrals are typically valid for 12 months.

Paediatric consultation fees vary. With a GP referral, Medicare will rebate a portion of the cost. Most specialist appointments have a gap fee ranging from $0 (bulk billing) up to $200+ for an initial consultation. Always ask the practice about fees before booking. Bulk billing paediatricians charge nothing out of pocket when you have a valid Medicare card and referral.

Paediatricians typically treat children from birth through to 18 years of age. Some specialists (particularly developmental paediatricians) may continue seeing patients into their early 20s during transitional care. Neonatologists specifically care for newborns and premature babies in hospital settings.

Yes. Developmental and behavioural paediatricians are the primary medical professionals who diagnose ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children in Australia. A formal diagnosis typically involves a detailed developmental history, standardised questionnaires, and often a multidisciplinary assessment. An NDIS diagnosis from a paediatrician can be used to apply for NDIS supports.

A GP (General Practitioner) is your family doctor who manages general health across all ages. A paediatrician is a specialist doctor who has completed additional training (typically 5–7 years post-GP) focused exclusively on children's health and development. Paediatricians can assess, diagnose and manage complex conditions that go beyond routine GP care.

Wait times for paediatricians in Victoria can range from a few weeks to over 12 months depending on the specialty and location. Developmental paediatricians (for autism and ADHD assessments) often have the longest waits — sometimes 6–18 months in Essendon and surrounding areas. Ask the practice about their current wait time when you contact them, and ask your GP if an urgent referral is appropriate.