"Pathology results available immediately with one click"
13 Oct 2025
From Monday, most pathology results ordered by GPs will be available to patients as soon as they are uploaded to My Health Record. This long-planned change, confirmed by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), means patients can now view their results via the website or the My Health app immediately, rather than waiting seven days as was previously the case.
Certain tests, including diabetes-related pathology (HbA1c), blood clot monitoring tests (INR), and results for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, are already available immediately. Other categories, such as anatomical pathology, cytopathology, and genetic tests, will now have a five-day delay instead of seven. A full list of test types is available on the ADHA website.
Consumer groups have long advocated for faster access to personal healthcare information. Dr David Adam, from the RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology and Management, said GPs need to be aware of the changes.
“Patients can now see most results as soon as the test is completed, so it’s important to provide appropriate pre-test counselling,” Dr Adam said. “If there is a possibility of a serious diagnosis, this should be discussed with patients before the test, not after results are received.”
He also highlighted the need for clear follow-up plans. “Patients may see concerning results and seek advice or take impulsive actions. Tests are part of diagnostic and treatment processes, and normal results do not always provide a complete diagnosis. Misunderstandings need to be addressed, and plans agreed upon,” Dr Adam said.
The Federal Parliament approved these changes earlier this year. The RACGP has updated its guidance on responding to patient requests for tests and tests initiated by other healthcare providers.
ADHA GP and Chief Clinical Adviser Dr Amandeep Hansra said pathology results are central to more than 70% of medical decisions. “Faster access allows for more meaningful conversations between patients and healthcare providers and supports informed decision-making,” she said.
While the changes do not affect how GPs upload results to My Health Record, patients may now request more information. Healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care also have immediate access to results. Patients can opt out of sharing results to My Health Record, which GPs can manage through their clinical systems.
Dr Adam advised GPs to contact their clinical information system vendors if they have difficulty searching or saving information in My Health Record.
Further changes are planned for February 2026, when patients will be able to access x-ray reports for limbs immediately, and other diagnostic imaging reports—including CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, and x-rays of the head and thorax—five days after upload. The RACGP will provide detailed advice for GPs ahead of these changes.
ADHA has published a guide for health professionals, ‘Better and Faster Access to Health Information’, along with printable resources for clinicians who request tests.
Source: Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), RACGP, newsGP
