Referrals are necessary for you to claim the full specialist rebate from Medicare and it is thus in your interest to make sure you have an up to date referral. Without a current referral, Medicare will not refund the specialist rebate, but only the lower GP rebate. Referrals also ensure that your referring doctor receives a letter from A/Prof Cooper following your visit, thereby keeping your health records complete and up-to-date. Referrals must be in A/Prof Cooper's name. Please be aware that referrals from specialists are valid for three months only and that GP referrals are usually valid for one year. It is not ethical for referrals to be backdated or for reception staff to request referrals on your behalf. If you are unsure about the validity of your current referral, please ask the reception staff.