Tests and referrals
Blood tests, results and referrals with an online GP
Find guidance on choosing tests, understanding a report or discussing a referral. Start with the question you want answered, whether you already have a result or are unsure if testing would help.
Can I discuss tests, results or referrals with an online GP?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can order pathology and radiology tests, help you understand results and provide a specialist referral when it is the right next step. You can ask for something specific or talk through your symptoms and ask what the GP recommends.
Online GP appointments for women
When appointments open, book online and speak by phone with an AHPRA-registered Australian GP.
GP care that fits women's lives
HerDoc supports general health, women's health and life-stage concerns, where telehealth is suitable.
How it works
Join the waiting list
Join the waiting list for booking updates.
When appointments open
Talk by phone with an AHPRA-registered doctor. Your GP can provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, discuss prescriptions, certificates, referrals, pathology requests or follow-up guidance during the appointment.
Often suitable for
- General health and mental wellbeing
- Women's health, menopause and perimenopause
- Medication advice and prescriptions
- Medical certificates, referrals and pathology requests
Not for urgent care
HerDoc is not for emergencies, crisis support or symptoms that need immediate hands-on care.
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty or severe symptoms
- Sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Mental health crisis or risk of harm
For urgent or severe symptoms, call 000 or seek emergency care.
When an examination is needed
Some concerns need a physical examination; the GP can advise when in-person care is needed.
Find the guide for your question
These guides explain different parts of testing and referral care. Choose the one that matches what you need help with now.
Explore tests and referrals
What would a test help answer?
You can ask for a specific test or describe a symptom and ask the GP what they recommend. Useful questions include what the test could clarify and whether its result would change the next step.
There is no single test list for every person with tiredness, period changes or menopause concerns. Symptoms, timing, medicines and previous results help the GP decide whether testing, an examination or another approach would be useful.
What to have ready
A short note about your symptoms and a list of medicines and supplements can help. If you already have results, have the full report and its date handy, along with why the test was done and what you want to understand. You can discuss a report ordered by another clinic; HerDoc does not automatically receive those results.
For a specialist question, relevant letters and previous treatment can help. You may have a named specialist in mind or want the GP to suggest the type of care to consider.
What happens after a test is ordered?
A GP discussion helps decide whether a test is needed. If the GP orders it, you still need the sample collected or the investigation performed by the relevant provider. Check the instructions for that test rather than assuming you need to fast.
A laboratory report then needs interpretation alongside the reason for testing and your health history. Ask who will review it, how you will hear about it and what to do if you have not heard back. Do not assume that no news means everything is normal.
Check costs and follow-up arrangements
Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee. Pathology, collection, imaging and specialist services are separate; ask the provider whether Medicare applies and whether you may have a fee. A GP referral does not confirm an external appointment or its cost.
Before finishing, ask what you need to arrange next and whether a further GP appointment is needed. Follow any instruction to seek prompt care rather than waiting for a routine result discussion.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms
- Symptoms needing immediate testing or close monitoring
- Concerns that require a physical examination before the next step
When to seek urgent care
Some concerns cannot wait for a routine online appointment. Seek urgent medical help for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms, including chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke signs, fainting, severe bleeding, severe pain or immediate danger. A GP may also recommend in-person care when an examination, immediate testing or close monitoring is needed.
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Stroke signs or fainting
- Severe bleeding or severe pain
- Immediate danger
Want to know when HerDoc launches?
Join the waiting list for updates about access to HerDoc’s online GP service. Joining does not book a consultation.
FAQs
Can I discuss results ordered by another clinic?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can discuss a report you have and help explain what it may mean. Have the full report and any relevant earlier results handy. HerDoc does not automatically receive outside results; agree who is responsible for any follow-up.
Can I ask for a test I have read about?
Yes. You can raise a specific test or ask the GP what they recommend. The GP will consider what it could clarify for you; a request does not mean every test will be ordered.
Does an online test order include having the sample taken?
No. Ordering a test and having the sample collected are separate steps. Follow the collection provider’s instructions about attendance, preparation and any charges.
What helps a GP explain an existing result?
Have the full report, its date and the reason for testing handy. Your symptoms, medicines and previous results provide context that a single high or low number cannot.
Who should I contact about a result?
Agree who will review the result and how to contact them before testing. If you have not heard back as expected, contact the requesting clinic. Follow urgent advice you have already been given rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Are external testing and specialist fees included?
Pathology, collection, imaging and specialist services are separate from the HerDoc consultation. Ask the provider about its charges and any Medicare arrangements. Each HerDoc consultation has its own fee.