Ongoing GP care · Results and follow-up
Results and follow-up
Know what to arrange after your appointment, how HerDoc-requested results return and when to seek care before a planned review.
What happens after a HerDoc GP orders a test?
HerDoc sends you the request details so you can arrange the test. Results requested through HerDoc return to HerDoc. When a result is available, an SMS and email link you to your dashboard, where you can book a separately charged GP appointment to discuss it. Follow any instructions from your doctor to seek care sooner rather than waiting for a routine review.
Last updated 9 September 2026
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Receive the request and arrange your test
A HerDoc GP can order pathology tests and provide imaging or specialist referrals. The doctor explains what is needed and why; sometimes a local examination is the next step before a test can be chosen.
For a pathology request
HerDoc sends the pathology request electronically to the pathology provider and emails the details to you. Choose a convenient collection centre that performs the requested tests. Check with the centre whether you need an appointment, what to bring and any preparation instructions.
Follow the instructions for your particular test. Some tests need fasting or specific timing; others do not. Ask the GP or collection centre if anything is unclear, and do not change medicines or supplements on your own.
For an examination, scan or another service
If the GP recommends local care, ask which service to contact, how soon to attend and what information to take. Arrange the visit with that service; a referral does not itself book an appointment. If a specialist referral is issued, HerDoc emails it to you.
For imaging, use the request details and check booking, preparation and fees with the imaging provider. If you cannot arrange care within the timeframe advised, contact the recommending doctor or service for advice rather than waiting longer without advice.
How your results return
Pathology and imaging results requested by HerDoc return to HerDoc. When a result is available, HerDoc sends an SMS and email with a link to your dashboard. Log in to arrange a review; the notification tells you a result is available, not what it means for your health.
Your treating doctor remains responsible for clinical review and patient follow-up. Urgent results go to the requesting doctor, with support from HerDoc’s Medical Officer where needed. The separately booked results appointment is your routine discussion of what the findings mean and what to do next; it does not replace the doctor’s responsibility to review results. Follow any instructions from a doctor or testing service to act sooner.
While you are waiting
Before finishing the consultation or leaving the collection centre, ask when results are expected and when to check back. Timing varies by test and provider. If no timeframe was given, ask the testing provider when results are expected. If the advised time has passed, book a follow-up appointment to discuss the next step. Do not assume a result is normal because you have not heard.
If your symptoms worsen while you are waiting, book another GP appointment rather than waiting for the results. If symptoms need urgent assessment, seek local or emergency care as explained under “When not to wait for results”.
Book a results or follow-up appointment
A HerDoc GP can explain the report, compare it with your symptoms and history, and discuss what to do next. A result does not automatically mean treatment is needed. The next step may be reassurance, monitoring, treatment, a repeat test, local examination or a referral.
Log in to your dashboard or portal, select rebook and choose the ordering GP when available, or another HerDoc GP. Each results or follow-up consultation is separately booked and charged.
What the consultation fee covers
The consultation fee covers the GP appointment. If the GP issues a pathology, imaging or specialist referral during that appointment, there is no additional HerDoc fee for that document. The test, collection, scan or specialist appointment is a separate service: check its fees and any Medicare eligibility with the provider.
Once a GP consultation has started, its fee applies even if the GP recommends face-to-face care. If intake determines beforehand that the consultation should not proceed, you are not charged.
Have these details ready
A few notes help the GP connect your results with how you are feeling:
- The test date, where it was done and why it was requested.
- Any reports or letters you received elsewhere, including their dates.
- Current symptoms and anything that has changed since the earlier appointment.
- Current medicines, recent treatment changes and any instructions already given.
- What you want to understand and whether you have arranged recommended local care.
Leave with a clear next step
Ask what the result means for you, whether anything needs to change and when to review progress. If another test or local visit is needed, clarify who will review that information and how you should arrange follow-up.
Results from elsewhere and keeping your GP informed
A HerDoc GP can review results ordered by another clinician when you provide the report and relevant history. Upload the image or PDF during intake. HerDoc does not automatically receive outside results and cannot be assumed to be monitoring them.
Continue following the ordering clinician’s instructions unless another doctor has agreed to take over. A discussion of one report does not automatically transfer responsibility for every outstanding test.
When not to wait for results
If your symptoms worsen while waiting for results, book another GP appointment to review the change. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are urgent or a clinician has told you to seek care sooner, even if a result has not arrived or an earlier test was normal.
Call 000 for an emergency
Do not wait for a HerDoc appointment or drive yourself if you have:
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness or difficulty speaking.
- Uncontrolled heavy bleeding or another life-threatening emergency.
Seek earlier local care
Seek prompt local medical assessment if symptoms are worsening, you feel significantly more unwell or a clinician or testing provider has told you a result needs urgent attention. Follow the timeframe and service they advise; do not wait for your preferred GP to be available.
If you are unsure where to go and it is not an emergency, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice.
FAQs
What if I cannot find the request details?
Check the email details HerDoc sent after the request was issued. If the request is still unavailable, book a follow-up appointment to clarify what is needed. Do not delay urgent care while trying to locate a document.
Further reading
These Australian resources explain test results and emergency care. HerDoc’s service process is explained above; these organisations have not reviewed or endorsed HerDoc.
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, stroke signs or uncontrolled heavy bleeding. Do not wait for results or an online appointment.
Want updates about HerDoc follow-up appointments?
Join the waiting list for updates about HerDoc phone GP appointments. Joining does not book a result review or transfer responsibility from another treating service.