Can a telehealth GP order blood tests and scans?
Yes. An Australian telehealth GP can issue referrals for pathology (blood tests) and radiology (X-ray, ultrasound and CT) during an online consultation, exactly as an in-clinic GP can. The referral is sent to you electronically and can be used at collection centres and imaging clinics across Australia.
How an online pathology referral works
During your telehealth consultation, the GP takes your history and decides which tests are clinically appropriate — from routine checks such as cholesterol, iron or blood glucose through to more specific investigations. The referral form is sent to your phone or email after the consult.
You take the referral to a collection centre at a time that suits you. Results are returned to your Clinic Online GP, and a follow-up consultation can be arranged to discuss them.
Can I take the referral to any lab or clinic?
Yes. GP referrals for pathology and imaging are not locked to a single company — you can attend the collection centre or radiology clinic of your choice, regardless of whose name is printed on the form.
X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans
Telehealth GPs can refer for X-ray, ultrasound and CT where clinically appropriate. Some MRI items have specific Medicare referral requirements, so if an MRI might be needed, the GP will discuss the right pathway during your consultation — which can include a specialist referral.
Is the test itself bulk billed?
The consultation and the test are billed separately. Your Clinic Online consultation is bulk billed for most Australians with a valid Medicare card. Many pathology collection centres and radiology clinics bulk bill Medicare-rebateable tests, but billing varies by provider and test type — confirm with the centre when you book.