Bulk billed blood test referral online: $0 if Medicare eligible

How to get a blood test referral online

In Australia you need a GP-issued pathology referral for most Medicare-rebated blood tests, and that referral can be issued through a telehealth consultation. At NewDoc, you can get the referral through a bulk billed telehealth consultation without visiting a clinic. Book an appointment, speak with an AHPRA-registered GP via video or phone, and your pathology referral is emailed to you directly after the consultation.

Pathology is one of the highest-volume parts of Australian primary care. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recorded 113.9 million Medicare-subsidised pathology tests and approximately $3.8 billion in pathology expenditure in 2022–23, most of these tests ordered by GPs. The AIHW notes that pathology, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic services assist medical and other health practitioners to describe, diagnose and monitor a patient's illness or injury. The RACGP Red Book (Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice) is the canonical Australian framework for when routine screening pathology is appropriate; your GP works from this evidence base when deciding what to order.

You then take your referral to any pathology collection centre in Australia. Most centres accept walk-ins, and your results are sent back to your NewDoc GP who will contact you to discuss the findings.

Common blood tests your GP can order

Your NewDoc GP can order the full range of routine and condition-specific blood tests covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule. What gets ordered depends on your symptoms, health concerns, or routine health-check needs. Common blood tests include full blood count (FBC) to check for anaemia, infection, and other blood conditions, liver function tests (LFTs) and kidney function tests (eGFR, creatinine), cholesterol and lipid profile to assess cardiovascular risk, blood glucose and HbA1c for diabetes screening and monitoring, thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4), iron studies and ferritin for iron deficiency, vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels, and hormone panels including testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone.

Your GP can also order STI screening panels, coeliac disease testing, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), urine tests, and other pathology as clinically indicated. The specific tests depend on your individual situation and will be discussed during your consultation.

Routine health checks

Regular pathology is a standard part of preventive care for many Australian adults. Your GP can order a general health screening panel that typically includes cholesterol, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, full blood count, and thyroid function. This is particularly recommended if you have a family history of chronic conditions, are over 40, or have not had blood work done recently.

A telehealth consultation is a convenient way to arrange routine pathology without taking time off work or visiting a clinic. Your GP will review your results and contact you to discuss any findings that need attention.

What to expect at the pathology centre

An Australian GP pathology referral is accepted at any Medicare-participating collection centre nationwide. After receiving your referral by email, you can visit any pathology collection centre in Australia. Major providers include Laverty Pathology, Douglass Hanly Moir, QML Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, and Sullivan Nicolaides. Most centres accept walk-ins during business hours, though booking ahead can reduce wait times.

Some blood tests require fasting (no food or drink other than water for 8 to 12 hours before collection). Your GP will advise you during your consultation if fasting is required for any of your tests.

Getting your results

Pathology results return to your GP electronically; most routine bloods are back in one to three business days. Results are sent securely to your NewDoc GP, who reviews them and contacts you to discuss any findings. Some specialised tests may take longer.

If any results require follow-up, your GP can arrange a further telehealth consultation to discuss treatment options, adjust medication, or provide referrals to specialists if needed. All follow-up consultations are also bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.

Preparing for your blood test

Preparation depends on which blood tests your GP has ordered. Some tests, such as fasting glucose and cholesterol, require you to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand, drinking only water. Other tests, including a full blood count, generally do not require fasting. Your GP will let you know during your bulk billed telehealth consultation whether any special preparation is needed.

Staying well hydrated before your appointment can make the blood draw easier, as hydration helps veins become more visible. If you are anxious about needles, let the pathology collector know so they can take extra care. Wearing a top with loose sleeves also makes access to the inner elbow straightforward.

Common blood tests we can refer for

The blood tests below are some of the most commonly requested through a telehealth GP. Each page covers what the test measures, when it is ordered, how to prepare, and what to expect at the pathology collection centre.

• Full blood count (FBC) for anaemia, infection, and other blood conditions
• Iron studies for iron deficiency and suspected iron overload
• Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4)
• STI screen for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C
• HbA1c for diabetes screening and monitoring
• Lipid panel including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
• Vitamin D when clinically indicated under Medicare criteria
• Vitamin B12 for fatigue, dietary deficiency, and absorption concerns
• Liver function tests (LFTs) for monitoring liver health and medication effects

Why choose an online GP for your pathology referral

A bulk billed telehealth consultation can issue a pathology referral in minutes, without a clinic visit, anywhere in Australia. Visiting a clinic in person for a pathology referral can mean taking time off work, arranging transport, and sitting in a waiting room. With an online blood test referral, you can speak to an AHPRA-registered GP from home, the office, or anywhere with an internet connection. The consultation typically takes only a few minutes, and your referral is emailed to you straight away.

NewDoc's telehealth service is designed to make accessing routine healthcare simpler for Australians in metro, regional, and rural areas alike. Because the consultation is bulk billed through Medicare, there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients. If your GP identifies a need for specialist referral or ongoing management, that can also be arranged during the same appointment.