Most results are best discussed during an appointment so your doctor can interpret them in the context of your overall health and provide personalised advice.
30-45 MINUTE APPOINTMENT
A number on a pathology or imaging report rarely tells the full story. Even results that are reported as “normal” or “abnormal” need to be interpreted in the context of your individual health, including:
Your doctor combines all of this information to determine whether any further investigation, treatment or reassurance is appropriate.
(Most blood results are available within a few days, however some specialised tests (e.g. genetic carrier screening) may take 2–4 weeks. Imaging reports are usually available within 7 days.)
Some investigations take longer than others to process. Where appropriate, your doctor may wait until all requested results have been received before reviewing them together.
Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, we may communicate your results by:
Please book an appointment if:
Why an appointment is often needed
A number on a pathology or imaging report rarely tells the full story. Even results that are reported as “normal” or “abnormal” need to be interpreted in the context of your individual health, including:
Your doctor combines all of this information to determine whether any further investigation, treatment or reassurance is appropriate.
Appointments are important for:
As this is a clinical consultation requiring your doctor’s time, expertise and medical judgement, standard consultation fees apply. Your doctor will explain your results in the context of your overall health and work with you to decide on any next steps.
Occasionally, your doctor may discuss test results or ongoing care by telephone.
Where this constitutes a clinical consultation, standard consultation fees may apply, including Medicare bulk billing where appropriate and you are eligible.
If a Medicare bulk-billed telephone consultation is provided, you may receive an email or SMS requesting confirmation of Assignment of Benefit consent.
While we have systems in place to review and manage test results, healthcare is a shared responsibility.
If your symptoms persist, your condition worsens, or you believe you have not received expected follow-up, please contact the practice.
Please do not assume that no news is good news if you remain unwell.
Many pathology results automatically become available in My Health Record once they have been finalised and released according to national timeframes.
You can access My Health Record through myGov or the My Health Record app.
Please note that some imaging reports and specialised investigations may not be available through My Health Record.
Your GP can review your results with you, explain what they mean in the context of your overall health, and discuss any treatment or follow-up that may be required.
Some pathology providers allow patients to access selected results directly through their patient portal.
If a specialist arranged your investigation, they may provide and discuss your results during your follow-up appointment.
We believe preventative healthcare is one of the best ways to keep you healthy.
With your consent, we may include you in our reminder and recall system so that we can notify you when important preventive health checks or follow-up care are due.
If you do not wish to receive reminder notices, please let your doctor or reception staff know.
