Button pushed for immediate pathology results

Most pathology results ordered by GPs will now be available as soon as they are uploaded, as long-planned changes come into effect.
 
On Monday, the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) confirmed ‘immediate release’ pathology results are now live, meaning patients will be able to view them in My Health Record – either via the website or on the my health app – immediately after they are uploaded.
 
Previously, patients had to wait seven days before they could access most pathology and diagnostic imaging reports shared to My Health Record.
 
It means a swathe of new diagnostic tests will be available much faster for patients, with a full list published on the ADHA website.
 
The results of certain tests, including diabetes-related pathology (HbA1c), blood clot monitoring tests known as the International Normalised Ratio (INR) and for influenza, RSV and COVID-19, are already available immediately on upload.
 
For other categories such as anatomical pathology, cytopathology, and genetic tests, results will be subject to a five-day delay rather than seven.
 
Consumer groups have long advocated for faster, and more extensive patient access to their personal healthcare information.
 
Dr David Adam, a member of the RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology and Management, said it is important for GPs to be aware that the change has come into effect.
 
‘Firstly, with patients now able to access most results through My Health Record as soon as the test is completed, it is increasingly important to ensure that appropriate pre-test counselling is done,’ he told newsGP.  
 
‘If doctors are concerned about the potential for a serious diagnosis to be made, then this needs to be raised with patients before the test is performed, rather than after a positive result is received.’
 
Dr Adam said the changes underline the importance of making clear plans for follow up.
 
‘Patients may see alarming-sounding results in reports and seek additional advice or take impulsive actions,’ he said.
 
‘Tests are requested as part of diagnostic and therapeutic processes; it is rare that a normal result means that the diagnosis is made.
 
‘However, some patients believe that any blood test is a comprehensive investigation, or that if a set of blood tests is normal that there is nothing wrong.
 
‘These assumptions need to be identified, and a plan agreed upon.’
 
The changes were passed by the Federal Parliament earlier this year, with the RACGP also updating its position statements on responding to patient requests for tests not considered clinically appropriate and testing initiated by other healthcare clinicians.
 
When ADHA announced the change had come into effect, GP and ADHA Chief Clinical Adviser Dr Amandeep Hansra said data suggests more than 70% of medical decisions depend on pathology results.
 
‘Pathology results are often the key to unlocking a diagnosis, helping doctors make timely and accurate decisions,’ she said.
 
‘With Australians now able to access their results sooner, it opens the door for more meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers.
 
‘Together, we can make informed choices and ensure care is tailored to each patient’s needs.’
 
Peak healthcare bodies, including the RACGP, have previously raised concerns about the proposed shift in approach. Last week, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia warned laboratories are unprepared for the changes.
 
The changes do not affect the way GPs upload to My Health Record, but GPs have been warned that patients could request more information about results.
 
The reports are also available immediately to healthcare providers involved in a patient’s healthcare. 
 
Patients also have the option to ask that their results not be shared to My Health Record, a request which can be managed by GPs using their clinical information systems.
 
Dr Adam advises that clinical information system software vendors are the best points of contact if GPs are finding it hard to search for or save information on My Health Record.
 
Further changes will come into effect from February 2026, when patients will be able to view x-ray reports for limbs immediately, and other diagnostic imaging reports five days after they are uploaded.
 
The latter include cross-sectional imaging reports, such as CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound and x-rays of the head and thorax.
 
The RACGP will shortly issue more detailed advice for GPs about the changes.
 
ADHA has published a ‘Better and Faster Access to health information’ guide for health professionals on its website, as well as printable guides for healthcare providers that request tests.
 
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