Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can order a blood test (Pathology tests) in Australia online without visiting a GP. iMedical provides the tools to do this.
Simply choose the blood test panels that you require. Any additional tests can be added using the + extra tests menus. You can tailor your tests to suit your needs.
Yes. Tests are processed by accredited pathology laboratories using standard laboratory methodologies. Results always require clinical interpretation.
No. Private testing is self-funded and is not covered by any Medicare rebates or private health insurance.
Medicare and private health insurance will only cover pathology tests when a doctor has assessed a patient and determined which tests are clinically necessary for their medical condition.
A doctor will not simply transfer a list of requested tests onto a Medicare- or insurance-funded pathology form. They will make their own clinical judgement and order the specific tests required. In those circumstances, the doctor would use their own pathology request forms for Medicare and insurance auditing purposes and you would not need to use the iMedical service.
Self-ordered testing services operate outside the Medicare system and are generally considered similar to other elective health services, such as cosmetic or wellness treatments.
Otherwise it would be a free for all, akin to ordering $1000 worth of tests you simply may be curious about and then just sending the bill to the insurance company or Medicare.
For this reason, strict rules and controls apply. iMedical does not provide Medicare item numbers or provider numbers for the purpose of making claims.
By using our service, you can request the blood tests you are interested in. We support individuals taking an active role in their health, while recognising the importance of appropriate medical guidance when needed.
Many routine tests are completed within 24–48 hours. Some specialised tests take longer.
Approximate timeframes are shown on the site via the info buttons. Results are emailed to you, and a link is also sent to your mobile. Results are also posted in your iMedical dashboard if this has been set up when ordering.
Some tests require fasting. Where applicable, instructions are provided at the bottom of your referral email, including fasting requirements for each relevant test.
Be aware, the fasting/non fasting tick boxes of the referral are for the Collector/Nurse to tick after asking on your fasting status.
Approved requests may be attended at affiliated pathology collection centres across Australia.
No, appointments are not needed. Pathology is first come, first served. Just take the printed referral to any of our affiliated labs and they will see you next.
No. While a collector may say they can accept our form, you will likely be sent a private bill from any non-affiliated lab. Only use our affiliated laboratories. Do not listen to the collector from a non affiliated Lab if they tell you they can take the form.
Try the search function if you need help finding a specific test in the “Build Your Own” list.
Be aware that using our pre-made panels for commonly grouped tests may be cheaper.
No. The listed price includes the pathology service. There is nothing further for you to pay. iMedical pays all pathology bills.
No. You can order as a guest, this is designed to be very a quick and simple process.
You also have the option to create a dashboard. Regardless, we only ask for the bare minimum of personal information from you.
Results are emailed, and a link to a download is also provided to your mobile phone.
If you have set up a personal dashboard, the results will also be posted there, along with comprehensive information about the tests you have ordered.
Formal NATA-accredited results are provided and will be accepted at any medical facility if needed.
iMedical Laboratory reports provide reference ranges, the iMedical dashboard also makes these easier to understand, including whether results are within or outside the normal range and to what degree. As to what may be causing abnormalities would be up to a Dr or qualified Practitioner to investigate.
We also provide general information in the dashboards about what tests measure and what may commonly contribute to abnormal results.
All results are viewed by qualified Medical Scientists and triaged to our iMedical AHPRA-registered doctor.
However, any abnormal results should be evaluated by a doctor, as many factors and clinical context must be considered when interpreting laboratory findings. iMedical also has a doctor consult service available.
Out-of-range results should always be discussed with a healthcare professional for proper clinical interpretation.
If results are critical or abnormal and require intervention, we will contact you personally by email, text, or immediate phone call depending on the seriousness.
Yes. Collection centres are available across all Australian states and territories.
No. This service does not provide emergency medical care.
Yes, you can order for another person. Just enter their details in the pathology referral form at checkout.
Health information is handled in accordance with Australian privacy legislation.
Yes. Results are delivered through secure systems. iMedical has special arrangements with affiliated laboratories where all our accounts are coded with secured confidentiality.
iMedical results cannot be accessed by other medical or doctor systems.
Yes. iMedical provides formal accredited results that are accepted by medical facilities and workplaces, including nursing placements, police departments, dangerous industry roles, and other settings where formal results are required.
Patients can download or copy their laboratory results for use in personal health record applications.
Any third-party use of data should be undertaken responsibly and interpreted in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
If anything ever does not seem right, please contact us by email.
Email is always better than phone because it gives us clear and concise information straight away, making it easier to help.
If results are taking longer than expected, we can quickly investigate, advise on the status, and help sort it out.
Email responses are provided 7 days a week.
No credit card data is stored with us. All payments are processed through the SecurePay and or Pinpayments payment gateway. Both based in Australia.
SecurePay and PinPayments are trusted Australian online payment gateway providers in Australia. Securepay is part of Australia Post.
When you click the “order now” button, a secure link opens between your device and SecurePay. iMedical does not receive this information.
Their payment gateways ensure that credit card data is transmitted securely and that no credit card data is stored by us.