Since AHPRA's 2023 cosmetic procedure reforms, every patient considering cosmetic surgery in Australia must have a current GP referral before the first consultation with the practitioner who will perform the procedure. This page explains what that requirement is, why it exists, what the referral needs to include, and how to obtain one before your appointment with Dr Georgina Konrat at her Bondi Junction practice.
Why the Requirement Exists
Australia's cosmetic surgery framework was reformed in 2023 following an independent review in 2022 that identified gaps in patient screening, decision-making time, and continuity of care between cosmetic practitioners and patients' primary doctors. The 2023 reforms introduced several new requirements:
- A current GP referral before the first consultation.
- Two consultations before any cosmetic surgery is booked.
- At least one of those consultations must be in person.
- A mandatory seven-day cooling-off period between the second consultation and surgery.
- A minimum patient age of 18 for cosmetic procedures.
- Mandatory psychological screening where indicated.
- Restrictions on advertising, including restrictions on testimonials, before-and-after images, and incentives.
The GP referral is the first step in this pathway. It is not a formality — it is intended to make sure your primary doctor is aware you are considering a cosmetic procedure, that any relevant medical or mental health factors are screened, and that there is continuity of care if any complication occurs after surgery.
What the Referral Should Look Like
The referral is a standard GP referral letter, written by your GP and addressed to the cosmetic doctor or practice you are planning to see. It should be dated within 12 months of your first consultation. It identifies you as the patient, your GP, and the procedure being considered. Most GP practice management systems generate referral letters in a standard format — there is no special template required.
What matters is:
- The referral is recent (within 12 months).
- It is from a registered GP, not from a non-medical practitioner.
- It identifies the procedure or area of concern.
- You bring it to your first consultation, either by emailing it ahead or bringing a printed copy on the day.
Dr Konrat's reception team can advise on how to send the referral in advance of your appointment to make the consultation flow more smoothly.
How to Approach Your GP
Book a standard GP appointment — not a quick one — and explain that you are considering a cosmetic procedure and need a referral. You do not need to have made a final decision before seeing your GP. The referral is what allows you to attend the first consultation, where the assessment continues.
Be ready to discuss:
- Why you are considering the procedure.
- How long you have been thinking about it.
- What you hope it will change for you.
- Any relevant medical history — previous surgery, current medications, allergies, mental health history.
- Whether you have considered alternatives.
These are screening questions, not barriers. A GP who asks them is following current AHPRA expectations. If your GP has a concern, it is worth listening — they may have noticed something relevant. You can always seek a second opinion from another GP if there is a genuine difference of clinical view.
What the Cosmetic Doctor Does With the Referral
At your first consultation, Dr Konrat reviews the referral, your medical history, and the procedure you are considering. She conducts her own assessment — examining the relevant anatomy, discussing your goals, explaining risks, and making her own clinical judgment about candidacy. The referral does not approve the surgery; it allows the consultation to take place.
The two-consultation requirement and the seven-day cooling-off period give time for the assessment to be thorough and for you to make a considered decision. Not every patient is offered surgery — that is part of the assessment process, not a sign that something is wrong. AHPRA expects practitioners to decline to proceed where the procedure is not appropriate, even if the patient has a referral and wishes to go ahead.
Practical Tips Before Your First Consultation
- Get the referral 1–2 weeks before your booked consultation. Earlier is fine; same-day is risky if there are admin delays.
- Email it ahead. Reception can review and flag any issues before your appointment date.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements. Including over-the-counter, herbal, and one-off products.
- Bring questions. The first consultation is your opportunity to ask anything you want to understand.
- Allow time. A first cosmetic consultation typically runs 45–60 minutes; do not book another commitment immediately afterwards.
- A support person is welcome. If having someone with you helps you feel comfortable, bring them.
How This Fits Into the Broader Pathway
The GP referral is step one of a four-step pathway:
- GP referral obtained before the first consultation.
- First consultation with the cosmetic doctor — assessment, plan discussion, written quote, written information.
- Second consultation — typically scheduled at least one week later — to confirm the plan, address questions, and confirm the operative date.
- Seven-day cooling-off period between the second consultation and the booked surgery date.
For more information about what happens during a cosmetic surgery consultation, see the main patient information page. For specific procedures, see the procedures index. To book your first consultation once you have your GP referral, visit book a consultation.