Patient-paid doctor and specialist matching service

Patients and families, such as people new to an area, people with complex or rare conditions, busy professionals and those helping an elderly parent.

A flat fee per match or a fixed package, such as a shortlist plus booking help. Charge the patient only, not the doctor or clinic.

• Clear, caring communication
• Careful online research
• Organised record keeping
• Respect for privacy

• Rules on payments for referrals: check that no fee is paid by or shared with doctors or clinics, as health practitioner rules on inducements and fee splitting may apply
• Health advertising rules (Ahpra and the Australian Consumer Law): check what you can say about doctors and about your own service, including testimonials
• Privacy law: health information is sensitive, so check your obligations under the Privacy Act and your state's health records rules
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance: ask a broker what suits an advice-style service
• Do not diagnose or recommend treatment, and make clear you are not a medical service

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your website, insurance and tools for record keeping. Ask a broker about public liability and professional indemnity cover suited to an advice-style service.

Check that no fee is paid by or shared with doctors or clinics, as rules on inducements and fee splitting may apply. Also check health advertising rules (Ahpra and Australian Consumer Law), and privacy obligations under the Privacy Act and state health records rules.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many patients you help and what you charge. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week. You must not diagnose or recommend treatment.