Get the best care for your patients

When you refer a patient to Dokotela, you're not just passing on a case – you're joining forces with a team dedicated to delivering exceptional, mental health care. We understand the trust you place in us, and we honour that by providing your patients with expert, compassionate treatment tailored to their unique needs. Together, we can provide the highest quality mental health support, making a real difference in your patients' lives.
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Try our referral kit

Request your referral kit with more information on Dokotela for both you and your patients.

How it works

How it works for GPs

You’ll write a referral letter

Include as much background on your patient's mental and physical health as you can. Address the referral to ‘Dokotela specialists’ and send via Healthlink (EDI: Dokotela), fax (02 8569 1844), or email (referrals@dokotela.com.au).

You can also request a referral template for Best Practice here.

Option to join the appointment

This part is completely up to you and your patient. Near the end of the call, feel free to hop on to talk through your patient's treatment plan, possible medications and ongoing care.

Receive the appointment summary

The specialist will then send you a summary and the comprehensive treatment plan as soon as they're ready.

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A visit from your patient

Your patient will book a follow-up appointment with you to chat through the treatment plan. If they need more ongoing support, a network of online specialists consulting from our platform are available, including telehealth psychiatrists and psychologists.

Patients benefit from your support

As a GP, actively participating in the process can greatly benefit your patient. Discover more about our collaborative care model.

Why you’ll love working with the specialists consulting from Dokotela's platform

1
Every referral is welcomed

No one gets left behind. The specialists mission is to support everyone who needs help and is suitable for outpatient treatment.

2
They're all about the details

The specialists aim to meet each patient's unique needs. The specialists operating from Dokotela’s platform prefer a holistic approach, which is why we would prefer a more detailed referral.

3
They focus on short wait times

Short wait times are a big focus for the specialists consulting from our platform. Having access to psychiatrists from all around Australia and patients who are able to attend at short notice (with no travel required) is a significant benefit.

4
Choose your involvement and stay informed

The specialists comprehensive tailored treatment plans will ensure you're always in the loop. Your role in collaborative care is entirely up to you.

5
Affordable options means more help

The specialists offer lower cost options, meaning they get to help even more people. There is also funding options available for patients who would like to connect with a specialist via our platform who live in South West Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and Central Eastern Sydney..

6
They're a friendly, connected community

The specialists create a caring community where you can feel fully supported as a GP. They are available to speak with you via asynchronous messaging and like the opportunity to speak with you regarding mutual patients.

Make a difference with us

At Dokotela, we believe that everyone deserves access to the best possible mental health care regardless of their location.

Mental health challenges affect 1 in 5 Australians each year, making timely access to care crucial. Access to mental health services is particularly challenging in rural areas, where only 3% of psychiatrists practice, leaving many patients struggling to receive the care they need.

That's where your specialist at Dokotela comes in – and where you can make a difference. The specialists consulting from our platform are seeking dedicated GPs who share our passion for improving mental health care. By partnering with the specialists consulting at Dokotela, you can help bridge this gap and ensure your patients receive expert care, no matter where they live.

What doctors say

Don't just take our word for it. Learn why they believe this collaboration benefits both their practice and their patients.

That's what’s great about Dokotela, they’ve accepted all my referrals. I’m quite happy with the process where you Dokotela choose the psychiatrist based on the history of the patient.

Dr Andrew Moore
2024

We find Dokotela are always available. They are easy to communicate with, the staff are very good and the specialist service is exceptional.

Victoria District Medical Centre
2024

Dokotela has been great for our service. We have been able to refer clients who are in extreme circumstances to affordable mental health support that they desperately need.

Penrith Women's Health Centre
2024

That's what’s great about Dokotela, they’ve accepted all my referrals. I’m quite happy with the process where you Dokotela choose the psychiatrist based on the history of the patient.

Dr Andrew Moore
2024

That's what’s great about Dokotela, they’ve accepted all my referrals. I’m quite happy with the process where Dokotela choose the psychiatrist based on the history of the patient.

Maroubra Medical Centre
2024

We find Dokotela are always available. They are easy to communicate with, the staff are very good and the specialist service is exceptional.

Victoria District Medical Centre
2024

Dokotela has been great for our service. We have been able to refer clients who are in extreme circumstances to affordable mental health support that they desperately need.

Penrith Women's Health Centre
2024

Your questions answered

How do I refer?

Referrals for psychiatry : Please provide a referral addressed to ‘Dokotela Specialists’ and if appropriate specifically request a 12 month treatment plan’ (this is required for rural/regional patients to be bulk billed for their first appointment)

Referrals for Psychologists: Please send a mental health care plan addressed to a practitioner consulting from ‘Dokotela’s platform.

Please send by Healthlink (EDI: Dokotela), fax (02) 8569 1844 or
referrals@dokotela.com.au

We can also send you a Referral Template for Best Practice. Complete the request form here.
What about prescriptions?

The specialists consulting from our platform believe that the GP maintains the central role in patient care. They discuss the treatment plan with you, and if you are happy, they ask you to prescribe the medication (unless it is a particular type of medication the specialist must prescribe). Alternatively, the specialists can prescribe and send prescriptions to the patient’s phone.

What equipment do I need for my appointment?

All you need is computer or tablet with internet connection, sound, a microphone and a camera. That’s it.

What condition will the psychiatrists see?

The extensive, experienced team of psychiatrists cover a wide range of sub-specialisations as well as the entire age range. We recommend that you address the referral to Dokotela Specialists and your patient will be seen by the most appropriate specialist.

What are the MBS items I can bill?

GPs may be eligible to bill MBS Item numbers 3 or 23, if spending time with the patient following the consult to go through the treatment plan and write prescriptions. Your practice nurse can bill MBS item 10983 as incentive to facilitate the consultation.

Do the psychiatrists do follow up appointments?

Yes absolutely, where appropriate multiple appointments can be booked with the client. If you would like a one-off assessment for your client, please request ‘Medicare item 291’ on the referral. The specialist will prepare a detailed 12 monthly management plan (including diagnosis), so you are fully equipped to manage the patient’s needs. This will be bulk billed for rural patients who have not seen a psychiatrist in the last 12 months (excluding ADD, which usually incurs a fee).

If you would like the treatment plan reviewed, the specialist will need a new referral (this is due to the Medicare item numbers). All follow-up appointments incur an out-of-pocket fee. Alternatively, if you would prefer an initial appointment as part of ongoing treatment, please also indicate this on the referral. All of these appointments incur an out of pocket fee.

What is the cost to the patient?

Please refer to the fees page for the latest and most accurate information.

Fees are indicative only and independently set by each practitioner. Accordingly, actual fees may vary based on each individual practitioner’s fee arrangements.

What is the expected wait time for an appointment?

Wait times for appointments will vary depending on the patient’s needs and availability of the specialist at that point in time. Please refer to our banner for the latest and most accurate information.

What happens if I am having technical difficulties?

Please call (02)8003 7668 and one of our friendly clinic staff will assist you to troubleshoot.

A live chat option is also available after you click on the button ‘Connect to video’ on our website.

Still have a questions?

Join the Dokotela team
Chat with our specialist manager to see if Dokotela is right for you.