You do not need a GP referral at the time of booking, but one is recommended before your appointment.

Patients can book directly with Naia Health without a referral. However, a valid GP referral is required to receive Medicare rebates. Many patients book first and arrange their referral before attending. You can attend without a referral, but Medicare rebates will not apply.

Yes. You can choose your preferred specialist when booking online via our Book Appointment page, or let us know when you call us on (02) 3815 8214. If you’re unsure who is best suited to your condition, our team is happy to help guide you.

Your first appointment is typically around 40 minutes.

Your specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and current clinical status, assess any relevant imaging or test results, perform a clinical examination, and provide a diagnosis where appropriate.

Your specialist may also collect baseline clinical measurements or assessments to help track and manage the trajectory of your condition over time, with a focus on early intervention, prevention where possible, and ongoing improvement. The majority of the appointment then focuses on your goals, with a discussion of the available options and a personalised treatment plan aligned to those goals and intended to support the best possible outcomes.

Naia Health brings together independent specialist practitioners. While many consultations follow the approach outlined above, individual clinicians may structure appointments differently.

Initial specialist appointments typically average around 40 minutes, with follow-up appointments averaging around 20 minutes. Actual appointment length may vary and can be longer depending on your specialist and clinical needs.

Yes. Many of the independent rheumatologists consulting at Naia Health offer joint injections as part of specialist care, where clinically appropriate. In some cases, injections may be performed on the same day following assessment.

To understand the types of joint injections offered, visit our Joint Injections page.

Patients can get up to 80% back from their private health cover on injections offered by specialists consulting through Naia Health, depending on their level of cover.

Please check with your individual health fund for specific rebate amounts. Naia Health, on behalf of your specialist, can provide a supporting letter if required.

Specialists consulting through Naia Health bill privately, with fees varying by specialist and appointment type.

The highest out-of-pocket fee charged by a specialist consulting through Naia Health in 2025 for an initial appointment was $295, with most initial consultations below this level and follow-up appointments typically significantly lower.

Medicare rebates are available for all eligible consultations with a valid GP referral. Our team can provide general guidance before your appointment if helpful.

We recommend bringing a GP referral, your Medicare card, and any relevant imaging or pathology results (such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests).

Both options are available. You can book either a telehealth or in-person appointment through our online booking portal. If you prefer to book over the phone, simply let our team know your preference when calling 02 3815 8214.

Clinicians consulting through Naia Health are actively involved in academic research and clinical studies and maintain links with universities and research institutions. Where appropriate, patients may be informed about relevant research or clinical trial opportunities and can choose whether to explore participation.

Participation is always voluntary and depends on individual eligibility and study requirements.