Telehealth pathology tests explained

A telehealth consultation can lead to a full range of pathology tests in Australia. Your Abby clinician generates the request electronically; you collect the sample at any Australian pathology centre; the result returns to your clinician for review. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Most pathology tests themselves are also bulk billed.

What pathology tests are available through telehealth

Almost all standard pathology tests can be ordered through a telehealth consultation. Common categories include:

• Blood tests: full blood count, iron studies, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fasting glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol panel, hormone testing, autoimmune markers.
• Swabs: sexually transmitted infections (STIs), throat, nose, skin swabs.
• Urine tests: dipstick, culture, drug screening, pregnancy.
• Stool tests: faecal occult blood, microbiology.
• Cervical screening: via self-collection where appropriate.

If a test is unusually specialised, your Abby clinician will tell you in the consult whether telehealth ordering is the right path or whether a specialist needs to be involved first.

How the request reaches the pathology centre

Your Abby clinician generates the pathology request electronically. You can either:

• Print the request and take it to a pathology collection centre.
• Show the request on your phone at the centre (most accept this).
• Have the request sent directly to the centre you nominate.

The major Australian pathology networks (Australian Clinical Labs, Sonic Healthcare, Healius) accept Abby requests. You do not have to use a specific network.

Bulk billing on pathology

Most Medicare-rebated pathology tests are bulk billed by the major Australian pathology networks for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. There is usually no out-of-pocket cost for standard tests. Some specialised tests have out-of-pocket fees, which the centre will quote before taking the sample.

Your Abby consultation is bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Strict eligibility criteria apply.

What you bring to the collection centre

Take the pathology request (printed or on phone), your Medicare card, and any ID requested. For some tests, fasting is required. Your Abby clinician will tell you in the consult if your test needs it. If you arrive without fasting and were required to, the centre will reschedule.

When telehealth pathology is not appropriate

Some pathology pathways are not suited to telehealth. Genetic testing, certain cancer panels, and some specialist-led investigations need a specialist to coordinate. If your situation calls for one of these, your Abby clinician will arrange a specialist referral first.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will I get results?

Routine results return within one to three business days. Specialised tests take longer.

Do I have to go to a specific pathology centre?

No. The major networks all accept Abby requests, and you can use whichever centre is most convenient.

What if the centre cannot find my request?

Your Abby clinician can resend the request or generate a fresh one. Contact us through the app if this happens.

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